Amusan predicts tough competition in women's hurdles for 2027

Nigerian sprint hurdler Tobi Amusan is set on finishing the 2026 season strong after winning silver at the World Athletics Ultimate Championships. She admitted that the women’s 100m hurdles is getting more competitive.

Amusan had a strong run to come in second at the championship, adding another medal to a season that pushed her both physically and mentally.

Earlier, the Nigerian won third place at the Commonwealth Games but saw her long-standing world record fall. Despite these setbacks, she refocused and built her momentum race by race.

While reflecting on her silver medal in Budapest, Amusan spoke with Making of Champions. She gave credit to God and shared the challenges she faced during the season.

"First, God is good," Amusan said.

"What started off as an amazing season, in between I had some nippings here and there. You know, I’m not a robot. The body did shut down at a point. And I got back, built the momentum one race at a time."

The Nigerian athlete shared that she came to the Ultimate Championships with a strong mindset, knowing she needed to give her best performance despite earlier challenges.

"Coming into this championship, my mindset going to the line was, we die here. I just kept telling myself I have to give it my all. I mean, I’ve always given my all at every meet," she said.

"Today is just one of those days where I have to bring my A-plus game. And I don’t care what happened in the race. All I knew was, look, I did it. That’s all I knew. And I looked up and I saw the silver medal place finish.

"I was like, look, I came in second place. God is good."

Amusan talks about tough times

The 2026 season has had its challenges for her, especially after finishing third at the Commonwealth Games and losing her world record.

Amusan admitted that the period was tough, but the support from her loved ones helped her stay focused and continue competing.

"I’m not going to lie. It was very rough. It was very rough," she told MakingofChampions.

"I mean, to my family, to my mentor, to my coach, to my boyfriend. They spoke the life back into me. And, you know, this morning it was all about put the past behind you and just go for it.

"And those few sentences that I got here and there got me through this finish line today, and God."

Even though she lost her world record, Amusan was happy to leave the Ultimate Championships with a medal. She is now eager to finish the season on a high note.

When asked if her top-two finish was a statement, she responded with her usual humor.

"A statement kwa? I’m coming home with a medal, you are talking about making a statement? I don’t know the statement you are looking for," she said.

"But, I mean, I’m looking forward to end the season on a high note. I still have one more meet, I know.

"I’m still there, and we’d go get recharged for 2027 after that."