“I believed in myself when no one else did.” Those words, often echoed by Oluwatobiloba Ayomide Amusan, capture not just her mindset but the story of her life. From humble beginnings in Ijebu-Ode, where her athletic dreams were met with doubt and resistance, to the grand stage of the World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon, Amusan has proven time and again that belief can rewrite destiny. In 2022, when she stormed across the finish line in 12.12 seconds, shattering the world record in the women’s 100m hurdles, she wasn’t just running a race — she was running for every young dreamer told their goals were impossible.
Born on April 23, 1997, in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, Nigeria, Amusan grew up in a modest household as the daughter of schoolteachers. She discovered her love for athletics at an early age, often racing boys on the streets of her hometown. Although her parents initially discouraged her sporting ambitions, believing she should focus on academics, her determination prevailed. That resilience carried her across the Atlantic when she earned a scholarship to the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), where she studied and trained, laying the foundation for her rise as a world-class athlete.
At UTEP, Amusan’s potential flourished. She became an NCAA champion and a record breaker, earning recognition as one of Africa’s brightest prospects. But her path was far from smooth. At the 2019 World Championships in Doha, she narrowly missed out on a medal, finishing fourth — a pattern of near misses that might have broken lesser athletes. Yet for Amusan, setbacks became stepping stones. Each disappointment sharpened her hunger, refined her technique, and strengthened her resolve to stand tall among the best in the world.
Her defining moment arrived at the World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon, in July 2022. In the semifinal, she stunned the world by clocking 12.12 seconds, smashing the world record in the 100m hurdles. Hours later, she claimed gold in the final, running 12.06 seconds (wind-assisted), proving it was no accident. In one historic evening, Amusan became Nigeria’s first-ever World Champion and a World Record holder. Her tearful anthem on the podium remains etched in history — not just as a victory for her, but for an entire continent.
Yet her greatness lies not only in her speed but in her resilience. Amusan has spoken candidly about financial struggles, injuries, and moments of doubt that nearly pushed her to quit. Instead, she transformed those challenges into fuel. For millions of Nigerians and Africans, she embodies the belief that greatness can emerge from the most unlikely beginnings, that even in adversity lies the seed of triumph.
Beyond the track, Amusan is celebrated for her humility and unwavering connection to her roots. Every victory she claims, she frames not as a personal conquest but as a triumph for Nigeria and Africa. Her journey has inspired countless young athletes, especially girls, to dream bigger, chase harder, and embrace the idea that no barrier is too high to clear.
Indeed, Tobi Amusan is more than the world’s fastest hurdler. She is a symbol of African excellence, resilience, and possibility. Her world record was not just an athletic feat — it was a statement to the world that Nigeria and Africa can rise, shine, and lead. And as her career unfolds, one truth is clear: with every hurdle she conquers, she leaves behind a legacy of speed, strength, and the unyielding spirit of a champion.
“Tobi Amusan didn’t just break a record — she broke barriers for Africa.”
