Hurdler Tobi Amusan has set a new African women’s indoor record in the 60 metres, clocking 7.75 seconds at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix in Boston, Massachusetts, United States.
The Ijedu Ode-born star surpassed her previous record of 7.77 seconds set in Kazakhstan at the Astana Indoor Meet in January.
Although Amusan set a new record, she came second in Boston on Sunday, with America’s Tia Jones finishing first in 7.72 seconds and followed by Bahamas’ Devynne Chalton with a time of 7.76 seconds.
On January 27, Amusan shattered fellow Nigerian Gloria Alozie’s longstanding continental mark of 7.82 seconds set in 1999.
Tobi Amusan breaks Gloria Alozie’s 25-year-old record in 60m hurdles
Tobi Amusan returns to Ijebu-Ode for annual competition
The 26-year-old stormed to victory in the 60m hurdles final ahead of American Nia Ali and Ireland’s Sarah Lavin.
In 2022, Amusan became the first Nigerian to win a World Athletics Championship gold. She also broke the women’s 100m hurdles world record en route to that triumph.
She, however, had a rollercoaster season in 2023. The athlete was provisionally suspended before the World Championships for missed drug tests but was later cleared.
Amusan then failed to defend her 100m hurdles world title, finishing sixth in Budapest. Although, she ended the year on a high by winning her third consecutive Diamond League trophy.
The Nigerian has her eyes set on the 2024 Olympic Games, scheduled for Paris and starting from July 26.
