World record holder Tobi Amusan says she is not feeling pressure to keep her good form this season. She spoke after winning at the Paris Diamond League on Sunday, as reported by PUNCH Sports Extra.
Amusan matched her season’s best of 12.28 seconds to take first place in the women’s 100m hurdles. She finished ahead of American runners Grace Stark, who came second in 12.38 seconds, and Alaysha Johnson, who was third in 12.39 seconds.
This was the third time the 29-year-old ran 12.28 seconds this season. She also achieved this time at the Xiamen Diamond League and the Rabat Diamond League in May.
The victory marked her second win on the Diamond League circuit this season. She previously triumphed in Rabat. Earlier this month, she also won the New Taipei City Athletics Open and secured gold at the African Championships in Botswana.
Amusan is looking to challenge for another Diamond League title. She won three titles in a row from 2021 to 2023 and has the second-fastest time in the world this season, only behind Masai Russell’s 12.14 seconds. Still, the Nigerian athlete said she is not feeling any pressure to finish the season strong.
“I do not like the warm weather at all, but whatever the weather, I was going to come out here and kill it. My execution was alright. I am just happy to be injury free,” she told the Diamond League website.
“The pressure does not get to me. I have grace, a very strong support system around me, and that finish line. So I am never worried about pressure on the night.
“My approach to the hurdles varies. Sometimes you are thinking about what has just happened. Other days, it is really sloppy and I still come out and run a fast time. I try to take a shot at every race.
“I’ll be competing at the Prefontaine Classic next, but I am yet to decide where to race after that.”
Amusan, who won three straight Diamond League titles from 2021 to 2023, will be aiming to reclaim the trophy this season.
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