World record holder Tobi Amusan has faced a surprising setback at the Paris 2024 Olympics, as she failed to qualify for the final of the 100m hurdles event.
Despite her strong showing in earlier rounds, Amusan couldn’t secure a spot in the final eight, marking a disappointing turn of events for the Nigerian athlete.
Amusan, who currently holds the world record in the 100m hurdles, competed in her semi-final heat on Friday, where she finished third with a time of 12.55 seconds.
This result placed her outside the two automatic qualifying spots for the final. With only the fastest times outside the top two from each heat advancing, Amusan was left to hope that her time would be enough to see her through.
Unfortunately, Amusan’s time of 12.55 seconds was not fast enough to qualify her as one of the fastest losers, ending her campaign in the event.
The outcome was a stark contrast to her earlier performance in the competition.
Earlier in the week, Amusan made a strong statement at the Olympics by winning her heat with a time of 12.49 seconds, advancing confidently to the semi-finals.
Her impressive time on Wednesday had positioned her as one of the top contenders for a medal, raising hopes of another record-breaking performance.
However, the semi-final proved more challenging. Amusan was unable to replicate her earlier form, falling short of the pace required to secure a place in the final.
Her performance in the semi-final, while commendable, was not enough to propel her into the last eight, leaving her just outside the threshold for qualification.
Amusan’s journey at the Paris 2024 Olympics has been closely watched, given her status as a world record holder and one of Nigeria’s top athletes.
Her inability to progress to the final is a significant disappointment, not only for her but also for Nigerians and many fans, and supporters who had high expectations for her in the competition.
The result highlighted the unpredictable nature of athletics, where even the most accomplished athletes can face unexpected challenges.
Amusan’s exit from the 100m hurdles is a reminder of the fierce competition at the Olympic level, where every fraction of a second counts.
As she exits the 100m hurdles competition, Amusan will likely reflect on her performance and begin preparing for future challenges.
Despite the setback, her achievements, including holding the world record, remain a testament to her talent and hard work in the sport.
