Tobi Amusan pulls out of Diamond League final over fitness concerns

Nigerian sprint hurdler and world record holder, Tobi Amusan, has pulled out of the upcoming Diamond League final, dealing a blow to her fans and Nigeria’s athletics community.

Amusan, who set the world record of 12.12 seconds in the women’s 100m hurdles at the 2022 World Championships in Oregon, was expected to be one of the star attractions at the season-ending meet. However, her management confirmed on Thursday that she would not participate due to fitness concerns.

“After careful consideration and on medical advice, Tobi Amusan will not compete in the Diamond League final. She has had a long and demanding season, and it is in her best interest to prioritize recovery ahead of next year’s calendar,” her team said in a statement.

The 27-year-old has endured a mixed season, balancing injury setbacks with flashes of brilliance on the track. Though she reclaimed her African Games title earlier this year and posted several strong performances in Europe, her form dipped in the latter part of the season.

Athletics analysts believe Amusan’s absence will leave a gap in the Diamond League final, where she had been tipped to challenge for the title once again.

The Nigerian star won the Diamond League trophy in 2021, 2022, and 2023, making her one of the most consistent hurdlers in recent years.

Despite the setback, her management reassured fans that Amusan remains committed to returning stronger ahead of the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo and the build-up to the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

Supporters across Nigeria and beyond have flooded social media with messages of encouragement, praising her resilience and urging patience as she prioritizes her health.