Tobi Amusan became the first Nigerian in history to win gold at the World Athletics Championships by setting a spectacular world record time of 12.06 seconds.
Amusan improved upon her 12.12s from the semi-final to break the record once more. It was previously set by American Kendra Harrison at 12.20 seconds.
On a night of firsts, Amusan became the first ever Nigerian athlete to set a World Record in any sport.
Additionally, it would be the first time the national song of Nigeria was played over the public address system during the giving of medals to an event winner.
She receives a financial award of $100,000 and will now concentrate on competing at the Commonwealth Games as the defending champion beginning on Thursday, July 28.
For her effort, a beaming but emotional Amusan was presented with a cheque of $100,000 (about N60 million) by World Athletics and sponsors TDK as her reward for setting a new world record.
The cheque was given to Amusan after the Nigerian national anthem was played at the medal presentation, during which the 25-year-old could not hold back the tears of joy.
“It’s been a journey and I’m thankful to God for keeping me healthy,” Amusan said after the astonishing final race.
“I couldn’t be more thankful than to have come here with a win and a world record.
“It’s crazy. It’s crazy!”
Amusan had been agonisingly close to the podium in her last two global appearances, finishing fourth in both the World Athletics Championships in Doha, Qatar in 2019 and the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 and she admitted that her objective in Oregon was to first reach the final and try again for a medal.
“Coming into the semis, I knew it was a competitive field. So the goal was to execute and survive to the finals. And seeing the world record I’m like yes, yes!” she explained.
“But I had to keep my composure for the fans. I think I handled that pretty good and I’m thankful to God.”
Amusan is one of only three athletes to have set world records in Oregon, joining USA’s Sydney McLaughlin (women’s 400m hurdles) and Sweden’s Armand Duplantis (men’s pole vault).
