Tobi Amusan, the world record holder in the 100m hurdles, is set to compete in the 100m sprint at the Racers Grand Prix in Kingston, Jamaica. This marks a significant shift in her career trajectory, as she increasingly focuses on flat sprinting rather than her trademark hurdles event. Amusan’s participation in the 100m A Final pits her against a formidable lineup of sprinters, including Jamaican athletes Tia and Tina Clayton, Kemba Nelson, Ashanti Moore, and Alana Reid, as well as American competitors Mikiah Brisco and Jacious Sears. This highly anticipated race at the National Stadium promises a display of speed and athleticism from some of the world’s top female sprinters.
Amusan enters the race with a season’s best of 11.28 seconds, achieved at the Velocity Fest 16 in Kingston earlier in the year. This time represents her fastest 100m performance of the season, following a heat win of 11.41 seconds in the same competition. The Racers Grand Prix marks her second flat sprint race of the season and her third since April 2024. Her previous 100m race was at the Tom Jones Memorial in Gainesville, Florida, where she secured a third-place finish with a time of 11.26 seconds. This performance comes a year after she set her personal best of 11.10 seconds on the same track, further highlighting her potential in the sprint discipline.
Amusan’s decision to prioritize flat sprinting represents a conscious effort to explore and maximize her sprinting capabilities. This strategic career move led her to relocate to Kingston in November 2024 to train under the esteemed guidance of Glen Mills at the Racers Track Club, a renowned training ground that has produced sprinting legends like Usain Bolt and Yohan Blake. This move from the United States to Jamaica reflects her commitment to honing her sprinting skills under the tutelage of a coach known for developing world-class athletes. Amusan believes her natural aptitude lies in sprinting and she expressed a desire to fully develop this talent. This decision, made in conjunction with her former coach, Lacena Golding-Clarke, reflects a shared vision for her athletic future.
The training regime under Coach Mills aligns well with Amusan’s needs as an athlete. She describes herself as a “fragile athlete” who requires a tailored approach to training. Mills’ understanding of her physical requirements and his ability to adapt training accordingly has been instrumental in her continued development. Despite encountering a minor setback in training earlier in the year, Amusan remains optimistic and focused on her progress. She emphasizes a gradual return to form, taking each day as it comes, and expresses excitement for the remainder of the season.
Amusan’s transition to flat sprints has garnered considerable attention within the athletics community, particularly as she continues to showcase her speed and fitness in open 100m races. Her confidence is further bolstered by her unbeaten streak at the Racers Grand Prix, having competed and won in the previous two editions. She anticipates a vibrant atmosphere at the stadium, fueled by the energy of the fans, which she believes will contribute to a compelling and competitive race. This positive outlook underscores her readiness to face the challenges ahead and her eagerness to perform at a high level.
In a related development, fellow Nigerian sprint star Favour Ofili has withdrawn from the 2025 Racers Grand Prix. Ofili, who was initially slated to be one of the headline athletes at the prestigious meet organized by Racers Track Club founder Glen Mills, will no longer be participating. This unexpected withdrawal alters the dynamics of the event and removes a key competitor from the field. While the reasons for Ofili’s withdrawal remain undisclosed, her absence is noteworthy, particularly given the prominence of the Racers Grand Prix in the athletics calendar. The event will proceed without her, and the focus will now shift to the remaining athletes, including Amusan, who will be vying for top honors.
