Amusan Regrets Missing Commonwealth Games Record

Nigeria’s 100 metres hurdles star, Tobi Amusan, has expressed disappointment at narrowly missing the Commonwealth Games record despite winning gold at the 2018 Games in Gold Coast, Australia.

Amusan was not widely regarded as the favourite before the final, with Jamaica’s Danielle Williams expected to dominate the event.

However, the Nigerian produced an impressive performance to win the race in 12.68 seconds, beating Williams and delivering one of the notable upsets of the athletics competition.

Her winning time was just short of the Commonwealth Games record of 12.65 seconds set by Jamaica’s Brigitte Foster-Hylton at the 2006 Games in Melbourne.

Amusan said her target had been to leave Gold Coast with both the title and the Games record.

“I wanted the Games record, but I did not get it. However, I got the gold and that is the major thing,” she said.

Williams, the 2015 world champion, had entered the final as one of the strongest contenders after running 12.69 seconds in the heats.

Amusan had also signalled her readiness by clocking 12.73 seconds in the heats before producing an even faster performance in the final.

Running from lane seven, she finished strongly over the final hurdles to secure Nigeria’s only track and field gold medal of the Games.

Amusan said her preparation had been focused on maintaining a positive mentality ahead of major competitions, including the Commonwealth Games and African Championships.

She also welcomed the financial incentives provided to Nigerian athletes, including medal bonuses and training grants.

According to her, while the support might not meet every athlete’s expectations, it was still valuable.

“Half a loaf is better than none. I won’t say it is enough or it is not enough, but I thank them for giving us winning bonuses and training grants. It is better than nothing,” Amusan said.