Tobi Amusan, the Nigerian world record holder in the women’s 100m hurdles, is preparing for her second Diamond League appearance of the 2025 season at the Shanghai Diamond League meet on May 3rd. Coming off a fourth-place finish in the season opener in Xiamen, where she clocked 12.74 seconds, Amusan aims to improve her performance and climb the ranks in Shanghai. This race marks another step in her return to competitive form following the Paris 2024 Olympics. While her Xiamen result was not a podium finish, it demonstrated her resilience and readiness to compete against the world’s best hurdlers. Amusan’s training during the off-season, including working with renowned sprint coach Glen Mills, underscores her commitment to regaining her dominance in the event. As a three-time Diamond League champion (2021-2023), Amusan is no stranger to success on this stage and she carries that experience into Shanghai.
The Shanghai Diamond League presents a formidable challenge for Amusan, as she faces a field brimming with talent and experience. Among her rivals is Danielle Williams, the reigning world champion, who triumphed in Xiamen with a time of 12.53 seconds. American hurdler Grace Stark, currently ranked fifth globally, and South Africa’s Marione Fourie, who secured third place in Xiamen, also pose significant threats. The competitive landscape is further intensified by the presence of Devynne Charlton of the Bahamas, ranked seventh in the world, and Nia Ali of the USA. Adding to the mix are Pia Skrzyszowska of Poland, a potential dark horse with a formidable personal best, and China’s Wu Yanni, competing on home soil.
Amusan’s performance in Shanghai holds particular significance as she seeks to reclaim her place at the pinnacle of the 100m hurdles. The Shanghai meet, a critical juncture in the Diamond League series, offers a crucial opportunity to accumulate points towards qualification for the Diamond League final in Zurich. Beyond the immediate goal of a strong performance in Shanghai, Amusan is also using the Diamond League circuit as a stepping stone towards the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo later in the year. A successful showing in Shanghai would provide a valuable boost to her confidence and momentum as she prepares for the global championships. With her sights set on these major competitions, Amusan is determined to refine her technique, improve her speed, and reaffirm her position as a leading force in women’s hurdling.
Amusan’s journey back to peak form is a testament to her dedication and resilience. Her decision to train with Glen Mills, known for his expertise in developing world-class sprinters, reflects her commitment to pushing her boundaries and maximizing her potential. The off-season training has focused on honing her technical skills, improving her start, and enhancing her overall speed and power. These elements are crucial for success in the highly competitive world of 100m hurdles, where fractions of a second can determine the outcome of a race. Amusan’s meticulous preparation underscores her understanding of the demands of her event and her unwavering pursuit of excellence.
The Shanghai Diamond League provides not only a competitive platform but also a valuable opportunity for Amusan to assess her progress against top-tier competition. The race in Shanghai will serve as a barometer of her current form and provide valuable insights into areas for further improvement. By competing against some of the fastest hurdlers in the world, Amusan can gauge her strengths and weaknesses, refine her race strategy, and fine-tune her preparations for future competitions. The experience gained in Shanghai will be invaluable as she progresses through the Diamond League season and prepares for the World Championships.
As Amusan steps onto the track in Shanghai, she carries the weight of expectation and the hopes of a nation. Her achievements have inspired a generation of Nigerian athletes and her continued success serves as a powerful symbol of national pride. Amusan’s journey from a promising young athlete to a world record holder and Diamond League champion is a testament to her talent, hard work, and unwavering determination. Her performance in Shanghai will be closely watched by fans and experts alike, as she seeks to reaffirm her status as one of the greatest hurdlers of all time.
