“Tobi Amusan deserves an apology”: Athletics world reconsiders Nigerian star’s stunning 12.12s world record
Tobi Amusan. Image Credit: AP Photo/Ashley Landis
For nearly four years, has carried both the glory and burden of owning one of athletics’ most debated records. Now, the narrative surrounding the Nigerian sprint hurdler appears to be changing dramatically.
Following recent performances in the women’s 100m hurdles event, several athletics analysts and former athletes are admitting that Amusan’s iconic 12.12-second world record may have been unfairly doubted when she first achieved it at the 2022 World Championships in Eugene, Oregon.
The renewed conversation gained momentum after American hurdler clocked an impressive 12.14 seconds at the Xiamen Diamond League, coming remarkably close to Amusan’s world-record mark. The performance has reignited discussions about the legitimacy and brilliance of the Nigerian star’s historic achievement.
Why Tobi Amusan’s World Record Sparked Controversy
When Amusan stunned the athletics world in July 2022 by breaking the women’s 100m hurdles world record with a blistering 12.12s run, reactions were mixed.
The previous record of 12.20 seconds, set by in 2016, had stood as one of the most difficult benchmarks in women’s track and field. Amusan not only broke it, she shattered it convincingly.
Yet instead of universal celebration, skepticism quickly emerged. Some critics questioned whether improved track surfaces, modern spike technology, or other factors contributed to the astonishing time. Others made indirect doping insinuations despite the absence of evidence against the Nigerian athlete.
Former American sprint legend was among prominent voices who publicly expressed doubts at the time, reflecting wider uncertainty within global athletics circles.
Athletics Community Begins To Shift Position
The emergence of faster hurdle times in recent seasons is now causing many critics to reassess those earlier reactions.
Former American middle-distance runner recently stated that the athletics community “collectively owes Tobi Amusan an apology.”
According to Merber, the rapid improvement in women’s hurdling performances since 2022 has shown that Amusan’s record was not an impossible outlier as many initially claimed.
He noted that athletes are now consistently approaching the 12.12s mark, making Amusan’s performance appear far more attainable within the evolution of the sport.
The shift in perception is significant because it reflects growing acknowledgement that the Nigerian athlete may have been unfairly scrutinised during one of the biggest moments of her career.
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Tobi Amusan’s Difficult Journey Since 2022
Despite becoming a global athletics sensation, Amusan’s journey after setting the world record has not been smooth.
In 2023, the Athletics Integrity Unit provisionally suspended her over missed whereabouts filings ahead of the World Championships in Budapest. However, she was later cleared to compete after an independent tribunal ruled in her favor.
Although the controversy generated headlines worldwide, Amusan maintained her innocence throughout the process and returned to competition determined to rebuild momentum.
She was unable to successfully defend her world title in Budapest, but she has continued to remain among the elite performers in women’s hurdling.
Her fastest recorded time since the world championships remains the 12.24s she posted at the Paris Meeting in 2025, further demonstrating her consistency at the highest level.
Strong 2026 Season Reinforces Her Elite Status
The 2026 athletics season has offered fresh evidence that Amusan remains one of the most dangerous hurdlers in global competition.
The Nigerian star has already recorded a season-best time of 12.28 seconds and recently secured another African title, reaffirming her dominance on the continent.
With rivals like Masai Russell now closing in on the world-record territory, experts believe women’s sprint hurdling is entering a new golden era, one that validates how revolutionary Amusan’s 2022 performance truly was.
Many athletics observers now see her world record not as suspicious, but as a landmark performance that helped redefine expectations within the event.
Why Tobi Amusan’s Legacy Matters Beyond Athletics
Beyond medals and records, Amusan’s rise carries enormous significance for Nigerian and African athletics.
Her achievements have inspired a new generation of athletes across Africa while helping elevate Nigeria’s global profile in track and field.
The growing support from international commentators also signals a broader recognition of the challenges African athletes sometimes face in receiving equal trust and celebration on the world stage.
As debates around her world record continue to evolve, one thing is becoming increasingly clear, Tobi Amusan’s place in athletics history is no longer being viewed through the same lens of doubt.
Instead, many now see her as a trailblazer whose greatness arrived before the rest of the world was fully ready to accept it.
FAQ
Who is Tobi Amusan?
Tobi Amusan is a Nigerian sprint hurdler and world champion who holds the women’s 100m hurdles world record with a time of 12.12 seconds set at the 2022 World Championships in Eugene, Oregon.
What is Tobi Amusan’s world record time?
Amusan set the women’s 100m hurdles world record at 12.12 seconds during the semi-finals of the 2022 World Championships.
Why did people doubt Tobi Amusan’s world record?
Some critics questioned the dramatic improvement in time, citing factors like track conditions, spike technology, and speculation surrounding performance enhancement. However, no evidence of wrongdoing was ever established.
Was Tobi Amusan suspended for doping?
No. Tobi Amusan was provisionally suspended in 2023 over missed whereabouts filings, not for testing positive for banned substances. She was later cleared by an independent tribunal and allowed to compete.
What did Kyle Merber say about Tobi Amusan?
Former American runner Kyle Merber said the athletics community owes Amusan an apology because recent performances prove her world-record time is realistic and attainable.
Who is Masai Russell?
Masai Russell is an American hurdler who recently ran 12.14 seconds at the Xiamen Diamond League, one of the fastest times ever recorded in the women’s 100m hurdles.
Can Tobi Amusan’s world record be broken soon?
With athletes like Masai Russell running close to 12.12 seconds, experts believe the women’s 100m hurdles world record could be challenged in the coming years.
What is Tobi Amusan’s season-best time in 2026?
Amusan has recorded a season-best time of 12.28 seconds during the 2026 athletics season.
Why is Tobi Amusan important to Nigerian sports?
Amusan is regarded as one of Nigeria’s greatest track athletes. Her achievements have inspired young African athletes and increased Nigeria’s visibility in global athletics.
Has Tobi Amusan won a world championship?
Yes. She won gold in the women’s 100m hurdles at the 2022 World Athletics Championships.