Nigeria’s Tobi Amusan proved once again that she belongs among the world’s finest hurdlers after claiming silver in the women’s 100 metres hurdles at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo on Monday. Her performance not only earned her a medal but also a combined prize of $55,000, which translates to about N82.5 million.
Amusan, who remains Nigeria’s only world champion in the event, crossed the finish line in 12.29 seconds. She was edged out by Switzerland’s Ditaji Kambundji, who stormed to gold with a new national record of 12.24 seconds. American Grace Stark came third in 12.34 seconds, while her compatriot Masai Russell finished fourth in 12.44 seconds after clipping several hurdles.
The silver medal came with a financial reward. World Athletics had earlier announced a total prize pool of $8.49 million for the championship, with $35,000 allocated to each silver medallist. Amusan’s reward did not end there. Hiracer, Nigeria’s official kit supplier, also pledged podium bonuses before the games, offering $20,000 for silver. With both prizes combined, Amusan’s earnings rose to $55,000.
It was another moment that confirmed her consistency on the global stage. Two years ago in Eugene she stunned the world with a record-breaking 12.12 seconds run to take gold. In Tokyo, she followed up with yet another display of quality, cruising through her semifinal in 12.36 seconds before pushing Kambundji all the way in the final.
The result means Amusan has now added Nigeria’s 12th medal in World Championships history. While it was not the repeat of her 2022 triumph, it reinforced her standing as one of the sport’s biggest names and a source of pride for her country.
The race itself was one of the most competitive in recent memory. Kambundji delivered the performance of her career to beat a strong field that included Amusan, Stark, and Russell. Poland’s Pia Skrzyszowska finished fifth in 12.49 seconds, level with Bahamian Devynne Charlton. Jamaica’s Danielle Williams, the defending champion, settled for seventh in 12.53 seconds, while Nadine Visser of the Netherlands closed the line in 12.56 seconds.
Amusan’s silver may not have been gold this time, but it was a statement that her place among the world’s elite is secure.
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