Nigerian track sensation and world-record holder Tobi Amusan dazzled spectators on Saturday night at the inaugural Jamaica Athletics Invitational held at the National Stadium, clinching victory in the women’s 100m hurdles with a world-leading time of 12.40 seconds.
Despite trailing behind reigning world champion Jamaican Danielle Williams and American Nia Ali for the majority of the race, Amusan showcased her prowess by surging ahead in the closing stages, surpassing the previous world-leading time of 12.42 set by Tonea Marshall of the USA on April 20.
Williams secured second place with a time of 12.46 seconds, followed by Christina Clemens of the USA in third place with 12.54 seconds. Yanique Thompson of Jamaica claimed fourth place in 12.59 seconds, while Ali slipped to fifth with a time of 12.65 seconds.
Amusan’s victory comes on the heels of her remarkable performance last season, where she clinched the Diamond League women’s 100m hurdles title in Eugene, Oregon for an unprecedented third consecutive time, silencing critics following a disappointing showing at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest.
Notably, it was in Oregon where Amusan previously claimed the world title in 2022 and set a world record in the process.
In the men’s 110m hurdles, USA’s Daniel Roberts led a dominant performance with a 1-2 finish for his country. Competing for the third time this season, Roberts secured a comfortable victory with a swift time of 13.17 seconds. Eric Edwards claimed second place in 13.33 seconds, narrowly ahead of Jamaican Lafranz Campbell, who clocked 13.37 seconds.
