Tobi Amusan, the women’s 100m hurdles world record holder, is confident of winning a medal in the race in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, having failed to do so in the last two editions in 2016 and 2020 in Rio and Tokyo, respectively.
The 27-year-old issued this mission statement after qualifying for the semifinals on Wednesday, where she ran 12.49s to beat Alaysha Johnson of the United States, who finished second in 12.61s and Janeek Brown third in 12.84s.
Amusan was in high spirits following a thrilling first-round race.
“The first time I came as an Olympian, I was like 18/19; the second time, I think I was a little bit experienced, and I didn’t get on the podium. This time, I think, it’s my season,” said Amusan, who has now qualified for three consecutive semifinals at the Olympics.
Tobi Amusan led the pack of eight athletes with 12.49 seconds, followed by America’s Alaysha Johnson with 12.61 and Jamaica’s Janeek Brown qualified with 12.84 seconds.
Tobi Amusan is certainly among the favourites for the gold medal, but that won’t come easy, contending with a strong field that includes the Bahamas’ Devynne Charlton, USA’s Alaysha Johnson, world champion Danielle Williams, and reigning Olympic champion Jasmine Camacho-Quinn of Puerto Rico.
The semi-finals will be held on Friday, August 9, while the final is slated for the penultimate day of the athletics event, Saturday, August 10.
