Nigerian track star Tobi Amusan made history at the inaugural Jamaica Athletics Invitational held at the National Stadium in Kingston, Jamaica, clinching victory in the women’s 100m hurdles with a breathtaking world-leading time of 12.40 seconds.
Amusan, a world-record holder, initially trailed behind reigning world champion Jamaican Danielle Williams and American Nia Ali for the majority of the race. However, she demonstrated remarkable speed and agility in the closing stages, surging ahead to secure the win and surpass the previous world-leading time of 12.42 set by Tonea Marshall of the USA on April 20th.
Williams crossed the finish line in second place with a time of 12.46 seconds, while Christina Clemens of the USA claimed third position in 12.54. Jamaican athlete Yanique Thompson followed closely in fourth place with a time of 12.59, while Nia Ali of the USA finished fifth in 12.65.
Amusan’s victory comes after an impressive performance last season, where she clinched the Diamond League women’s 100m hurdles title in Eugene, Oregon, for an unprecedented third consecutive time. This triumph served as a remarkable comeback after facing criticism for a disappointing showing at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest.
Coincidentally, it was in Oregon where Amusan secured the world title in 2022 and also set a world record in the process.
In the men’s 110m hurdles, world leader Daniel Roberts led a 1-2 finish for the USA, dominating the competition with a swift time of 13.17 seconds. Eric Edwards secured second place in 13.33, narrowly edging out Jamaican Lafranz Campbell, who finished third with a time of 13.37.