Diamond League: Amusan records season’s best as Enekwechi opens campaign

Nigeria's track and field stars Tobi Amusan and Chukwuebuka Enekwechi showcased strong performances at the Xiamen Diamond League meeting in China on Saturday, both recording their fastest times of the season. Amusan, the reigning world champion in the 100m hurdles, delivered a compelling performance, clocking 12.28 seconds.

She finished second to American Masai Russell, who won the race in 12.14 seconds, a time just two hundredths of a second shy of Amusan's own world record set in 2022. The race featured a highly competitive field, with Devynne Charlton of The Bahamas taking third place in 12.37 seconds. Amusan's result marks a significant step forward in her season, following her recent African championship title and a fifth-place finish at the Shanghai Diamond League.

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The Nigerian finished second behind world leader Masai Russell, who won in 12.14s, in a race that underlined the depth of competition in the event on the global circuit.

In the men's shot put, Enekwechi began his 2026 Diamond League season with a fifth-place finish. He registered a best throw of 21.14 meters in a competitive field dominated by world-class throwers. The event was won by Jamaica's Rajindra Campbell with a throw of 22.34 meters.

Enekwechi, the African record holder, is aiming for his third consecutive appearance in the Diamond League final. Despite facing strong competition, including world record holder Ryan Crouser, Enekwechi's performance signals his intent to build form throughout the circuit. He holds a personal season's best of 21.74 meters and an African record of 22.10 meters, and will be looking to improve in upcoming meetings.

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The African record holder, who entered the season aiming to secure a third consecutive appearance in the final, registered a best throw of 21.14 metres as he looks to build form across the 2026 circuit.