Tobi Amusan, the reigning world record holder in the women’s 100m hurdles, is poised to kick off her 2025 season at the Queen’s/Grace Jackson Meet in Kingston, Jamaica. This marks her first competitive appearance since the 2024 Paris Olympics and a significant step in her journey under the guidance of her new coach, Glen Mills, the renowned mentor of sprint legend Usain Bolt. Amusan’s participation in the 60m event presents a unique opportunity for her to test her speed and form against a strong field, including Jamaican standout Grace Jackson. This will be the first time these two accomplished athletes share the track in competition, adding an exciting dimension to the meet.
The Queen’s/Grace Jackson Meet serves as a crucial springboard for Amusan as she embarks on a new chapter in her career. Having switched coaches in September 2024, she’s now under the tutelage of Mills, a move that signifies her ambition to further refine her technique and elevate her performance. After a less-than-ideal conclusion to the previous season, Amusan is undoubtedly eager to make a resounding statement and establish a positive momentum for the challenges ahead. The Kingston meet provides the perfect platform for her to gauge her progress and fine-tune her strategy under the watchful eye of her new coach.
While the Queen’s/Grace Jackson Meet offers a valuable opportunity for competition and assessment, it’s important to note that it’s not sanctioned by World Athletics. Consequently, the results won’t contribute to qualification rankings for the 2025 World Championships scheduled for Tokyo in September. This distinction allows Amusan to approach the race with a slightly different mindset, focusing on individual performance goals and gaining valuable race experience rather than chasing qualifying standards. It allows her to use the meet as a building block in her preparation for the more significant competitions later in the year.
The women’s 60m event at the Queen’s/Grace Jackson Meet promises to be a thrilling showcase of speed and athleticism. Alongside Amusan and Jackson, the lineup features other notable sprinters, including former world junior champion Anthonique Strachan and Jonielle Smith. This competitive field will undoubtedly push Amusan to perform at her best, providing a challenging yet constructive environment to assess her current form. The presence of such talented athletes ensures a high level of competition and adds to the excitement surrounding the meet.
Beyond the women’s 60m, the Queen’s/Grace Jackson Meet boasts a strong roster of athletes across various disciplines. Participants like Zharnel Hughes, Tyquendo Tracy, and Brendon Rodney are expected to draw attention and contribute to the overall spectacle of the event. Their presence underscores the meet’s significance as a platform for both established stars and rising talents to showcase their abilities. This diverse range of athletes promises an action-packed day of track and field competition.
Tobi Amusan’s career trajectory has been marked by remarkable achievements and a steady ascent to the pinnacle of her sport. Her world record-breaking performance of 12.1 seconds in the 100m hurdles semi-final at the 2022 World Championships in Oregon solidified her place in history and cemented her status as a global athletics icon. She followed up that incredible feat by clinching the world title the same evening, becoming the first Nigerian athlete to achieve such a distinction. This historic achievement marked a watershed moment for Nigerian athletics and propelled Amusan to international recognition.
Amusan’s accomplishments extend beyond the world stage, encompassing a decorated career at continental and Commonwealth levels. She’s a four-time African Games champion, a five-time African champion, and a two-time Commonwealth Games champion, showcasing her dominance across various prestigious competitions. Her consistent success in these events highlights her versatility and ability to perform at her best under different competitive pressures.
In the realm of professional athletics, Amusan has also established herself as a force to be reckoned with. She’s a three-time Diamond League winner, further solidifying her position among the elite hurdlers in the world. This consistent success against top-tier competition demonstrates her unwavering commitment to excellence and her ability to maintain a high level of performance throughout the season.
Beyond her athletic achievements, Amusan’s influence extends to her alma mater, the University of Texas El Paso (UTEP). Her recent induction into UTEP’s Hall of Fame is a testament to her impact both on and off the track. This recognition acknowledges not only her athletic prowess but also her contributions to the university community and her inspiring journey as a student-athlete.
As Amusan prepares for the Queen’s/Grace Jackson Meet, her focus remains on continuous improvement and building upon her impressive legacy. This race marks not just the start of a new season, but also a new chapter in her career under the tutelage of Glen Mills. The world awaits with anticipation to witness her performance in Kingston and follow her journey throughout the 2025 season. With her talent, dedication, and new coaching dynamic, Amusan is poised to continue making history and inspiring future generations of athletes.
