Tobi Amusan, the world record holder in the women’s 100m hurdles, is reportedly undergoing a significant shift in her training regimen. According to Radio Jamaica Sports, Amusan has relocated to Jamaica and commenced training under the esteemed guidance of Glen Mills, the legendary coach who orchestrated the career of Usain Bolt. This move marks a potentially pivotal moment in Amusan’s career, as she seeks to refine her technique and elevate her performance to new heights. Amusan’s training in Jamaica began in September 2024, just a month after a disappointing performance at the Paris Olympics where she failed to reach the final. The reports suggest she may remain in Jamaica for the entire 2025 season, indicating a long-term commitment to this new training approach.
This transition to Mills’ tutelage represents a departure from Amusan’s previous coaching relationship with Lacena Golding-Clarke, a former Commonwealth champion and retired Jamaican hurdler. Amusan has consistently expressed deep gratitude and admiration for Golding-Clarke, crediting her with instilling not only essential athletic qualities like strength and discipline, but also valuable life lessons. Publicly, Amusan has continued to acknowledge Golding-Clarke’s influence even after the reported move to train with Mills. This creates some ambiguity about the current nature of their professional relationship and whether Amusan is working with both coaches or has fully transitioned to Mills.
Amusan’s decision to train under Mills underscores a clear ambition to rediscover her peak form and dominate the hurdles scene once again. Mills’ reputation as a master coach, honed through years of working with elite athletes like Bolt, precedes him. His expertise in biomechanics, speed development, and race strategy could prove invaluable to Amusan as she refines her technique and maximizes her potential. The Jamaican training environment, known for its vibrant track and field culture and competitive spirit, could also contribute to Amusan’s growth and development.
The timing of this coaching change coincides with Amusan’s need to rebound from a relatively subpar performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics. After achieving remarkable success with a world championship and world record in 2022, followed by another Diamond League title in 2023, her failure to reach the Olympic final represented a significant setback. The move to train with Mills suggests a deliberate attempt to analyze and address the factors that contributed to this outcome. It signals a commitment to not only reclaiming her previous form, but also surpassing it in the future.
Amusan’s athletic journey has been marked by a steady ascent through the ranks of hurdles competition. From her roots in Nigeria, she has consistently excelled on both the continental and global stages. She is a four-time African Games champion and a five-time African champion, demonstrating her dominance within her region. Her success extends beyond the African continent, with two Commonwealth Games gold medals (2018 and 2022) and three Diamond League titles (2021, 2022, and 2023), cementing her status as a world-class athlete. Her participation in three Olympic Games further underscores her experience and dedication to the sport.
This latest move to train with Glen Mills in Jamaica represents a new chapter in Amusan’s career. It reflects a proactive approach to continuous improvement and a determined pursuit of excellence. By combining her natural talent and established track record with the guidance of a renowned coach and a supportive training environment, Amusan is positioning herself for a resurgence in the world of hurdles. The coming months and years will reveal whether this strategic shift will propel her to achieve even greater heights in her sport and surpass her own world record.
