Tobi Amusan, the golden girl, storms into the semifinals
An American psychologist is contributing to the defense of the reigning champion. Nigeria's Tobi Amusan, the world record holder in the women's 100m hurdles, surged ahead in the quest for medals yesterday by effortlessly qualifying for the semifinals at the ongoing World Championships in Budapest, Hungary.
Competing for the first time after being cleared from alleged anti-doping allegations by a panel established by World Athletics to review her suspension by the Athletes Integrity Unit (AIU), Amusan captured everyone's attention at the National Athletics Stadium in Budapest.
Hailing from Ogun State, Amusan did not disappoint her fans, crossing the finish line in 12.48 seconds, outpacing her competitors and securing a spot in the semifinals.
Amusan initiated her title defense from lane four, positioned outside Jamaica's Olympics bronze medalist, Megan Tapper, in the fifth and final heat of the first round.
The reigning champion of Nigeria, Africa, the Commonwealth, and the Diamond League is striving to successfully retain all five of her titles.
Prior to yesterday's race,The United States has deployed a prominent sports psychologist to Team Nigeria's camp with the objective of assisting Amusan in overcoming the psychological impact of her recent suspension by the AIU.
On another note, Bukola Olopade, a former Ogun State Sports Commissioner, arrived in Budapest on Monday morning with the primary intention of providing encouragement to Amusan for her title defense victory.
Olopade is in Budapest as a guest of World Athletics, acknowledging his contributions to sports as an organizer of marathon events in Nigeria. He was recently appointed as the chairman of Ogun 2024 National Sports Festival and is the visionary behind events like the Access Bank-sponsored Lagos City Marathon, Abeokuta 10km Race, and Remo Ultra Race.
He was present at the Budapest Athletics Stadium on Monday evening to witness the historic women's 100m final, which was won by American sprinter Richardson.
"I extend my gratitude to World Athletics for the acknowledgment they've bestowed upon me by allowing me to be part of these championships in Budapest. Witnessing Amusan's retention of her world title on Wednesday would be a significant source of excitement for me. I will be at the stadium this afternoon to support her and the other Nigerian athletes," Olopade remarked.
He also praised the efforts of the AFN under Tonobok Okowa for their considerable contributions to Nigerian athletics and expressed his hope for Nigeria to achieve success and secure a medal in Budapest.
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