It is official: Tobi Amusan, Nigeria’s brightest hope for a medal at the 2024 Olympics, will not be representing the country in the 100m hurdles final. With this disappointment, Nigeria’s athletes remain without a medal at this year’s games.
From the start of the 2024 Olympics, Amusan was seen as the country’s best chance for a medal. She kept those hopes alive by advancing to the semi-final after winning her heat with an impressive time of 12.49 seconds, ahead of American Alaysha Johnson (12.61 seconds) and Jamaica’s Janeek Brown (12.84 seconds).
However, during the semi-final earlier today, the current world record holder in the 100m hurdles had a slow start, which ultimately proved costly. Despite her best efforts, Amusan finished third in the race, clocking in at 12.55 seconds. The heat was won by the United States’ Grace Stark, who finished in 12.39 seconds, followed by Jamaica’s Devynne Charlton with 12.50 seconds.
Initially, there was hope among Nigerians that Amusan could still qualify for the final as one of the fastest losers. However, that hope was dashed when it was confirmed that she was the 9th fastest overall, narrowly missing out on a spot in the final.
Amusan’s exit from the competition has sparked a wave of reactions from Nigerians on social media, with many expressing their disappointment and frustration:
– @bablobabintin20 wrote on X: “Tobi Amusan’s failure to qualify for the finals marks the end of me watching this year’s Olympics #ParisOlympics2024.”
– @Leged45 shared: “The 4×400 men’s team was disqualified after South Africa appealed for a lane breach and won. Tobi Amusan fails to make it to the Finals after a disappointing 9th place in the semis. Nigeria leaves without a medal. Our problems follow us everywhere.”
– @OgaNlaMedia lamented: “God if na sin, forgive us. We need a medal at the #OlympicGames. Sad. I am weak. Tobi Amusan. Unbelievable.”
– @stanwalka expressed sympathy: “My heart goes out to @FavOfili and Tobi Amusan. The weight/burden of a nation is not easy to carry. #Queens. We blame @officialABAT for this woeful performance by #TeamNigeria. If people are not sacked or jailed after this Olympics…”
– @vincenteke20 wrote: “Na so we no see any medal, not even bronze. This Tobi Amusan own pain me like mad.”
– @Callme_sammyb shared: “We have a country of over 200m population and we could not even win a single medal in the Olympics… this is to show you the level of incompetence and politics in the Nigerian athletics federation…”
– @hayaatou offered support: “Sending loads of love to Tobi Amusan. We are super proud of you.”
– @ayo_coder reflected: “I keep thinking about how Tobi Amusan would be feeling right now. Like everyone expected her to win gold for Nigeria and she probably just felt the pressure. Hearing the French lady who qualified in her stead, stepped out of her lane and might be disqualified tho.”
As Nigerians come to terms with the outcome, the emotional response underscores the high expectations placed on Tobi Amusan and the disappointment felt across the nation. Despite the setback, many continue to express pride in her achievements and the hard work she has put in throughout her career.
Discussion about this post