Amusan drops to third in world rankings

Nigeria's Tobi Amusan, the reigning 100m hurdles world record holder, has seen her global ranking slip to third place. This occurred despite her accumulating more points through strong performances at recent Diamond League meetings in China. Amusan improved her tally to 1,385 points after clocking 12.41 seconds in Shanghai and a season's best of 12.28 seconds in Xiamen.

However, American Masai Russell's consecutive victories at both meetings were enough to elevate the Olympic champion to the world number one ranking. Russell recorded times of 12.25 seconds in Shanghai and a remarkable 12.14 seconds in Xiamen, setting a new U.S. record and narrowly missing Amusan's world record of 12.12 seconds. Russell's points total reached 1,391, placing her ahead of American compatriot Grace Stark, who holds second place with 1,386 points.

“

I’m ecstatic, and all the hard work is truly showing. I’ve been saying all year that I’m going to break the world record. I don’t know when it’s going to come, but I keep getting closer and closer.

Russell, who was ranked fourth just over a week ago, has emerged as Amusan's primary challenger this season. "I'm ecstatic, and all the hard work is truly showing," Russell stated after her Xiamen performance. "I've been saying all year that I'm going to break the world record. I don't know when it's going to come, but I keep getting closer and closer." She attributed her success to consistency and self-belief, adding, "I'm so focused. I'm so consistent this year. I feel like I'm just growing and learning every single time."

Amusan set the current world record of 12.12 seconds at the 2022 World Athletics Championships. Despite her recent drop in rankings, she remains a significant contender as the athletic season moves toward championship events.

“

I’m so focused. I’m so consistent this year. I feel like I’m just growing and learning every single time.