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Amusan downplays season pressure after Paris Diamond League win

From The Punch · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • World record holder Tobi Amusan secured her season's best and a victory at the Paris Diamond League in the women's 100m hurdles.
  • Amusan clocked 12.28s, equalling her season's best for the third time this year, ahead of American competitors.
  • Despite her consistent top performances, the Nigerian athlete stated she does not feel pressure to maintain her form, attributing her success to a strong support system and focus on the finish line.

Tobi Amusan, the reigning world record holder in the 100m hurdles, showcased her dominance by winning the event at the Paris Diamond League on Sunday. She equalled her season's best time of 12.28 seconds, a mark she has now achieved three times this season, solidifying her position as a top contender.

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.

— Tobi AmusanSpeaking to the Diamond League website after her victory in Paris.

Amusan's victory in Paris marks her second Diamond League win this season, adding to her triumph in Rabat. She also secured gold at the New Taipei City Athletics Open and the African Championships in Botswana, demonstrating a consistent and successful run of form. With three consecutive Diamond League titles from 2021 to 2023, she is poised to challenge for another crown.

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.

— Tobi AmusanAddressing concerns about pressure to maintain her top form.

Despite the high expectations and her impressive track record, the 29-year-old Nigerian athlete expressed a relaxed attitude towards the pressure of maintaining her performance. "The pressure does not get to me. I have grace, a very strong support system around me, and that finish line," Amusan told the Diamond League website. She emphasized her focus on executing her race plan and staying injury-free, highlighting her satisfaction with her current health and performance level.

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.

— Tobi AmusanDescribing her race strategy and mindset.

Looking ahead, Amusan confirmed her participation in the upcoming Prefontaine Classic but has not yet decided on her subsequent races. Her consistent speed, second only to Masai Russell's 12.14s this season, suggests she remains a formidable force in the sport.

I’ll be competing at the Prefontaine Classic next, but I am yet to decide where to race after that.

— Tobi AmusanDiscussing her upcoming competition schedule.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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