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By Johnny Edward
Defending champion Tobi Amusan lost her world women’s 100m hurdles crown to Jamaica’s Danielle Williams on Thursday in a shock win at the World Championships in Budapest, Hungary.
Williams, the 30-year-old, who previously won in Beijing in 2015, timed 12.43 seconds to edge out Olympic champion Jasmine Camacho-Quinn of Puerto Rico (12.44sec) with Kendra Harrison of the United States taking bronze (12.46).
Amusan and 2019 winner Nia Ali were never in the hunt, finishing sixth and last respectively.
Amusan, who was making her third World Championships final appearance, clocked a time of 12.62secs after a slow start in Budapest.
The 26-year-old failed in her bid to become the third woman in World Championships history to successfully defend the 100m hurdles title after Gail Devers’ achieved the feat (1991 and 1993) and Michelle Perry (2005 and 2007).
Despite failing to make a podium finish, Amusan remains a world record her in her speciality — 12.12secs set on her way to winning the world title in Oregon, US last year.
Devynne Charlton from Bahrain placed fourth in 12.52secs, while Ackera Nugent from Jamaica completed her race in the final in fifth place with a time of 12.61secs, just as Swiss Ditaji Kambundji placed seventh in 12.70 secs with the 2019 champion and mother of three, Nia Ali, ending in eighth place in 12.78secs.
Also, it was a bad day in the office for other Nigerian athletes on Thursday in Budapest.
Sprinter Favour Ofili failed in her bid to reach the final of the women’s 200m event, after finishing sixth in Heat 3 in 22.86secs.
Reigning 200m champion, Shericka Jackson, won the heat with a time of 22.00secs with world 100m champion, Sha’Carri Richardson, placing second in 22.20secs.
Alaba Akintola also failed to qualify for the men’s 200m final after placing seventh in Heat 2 in 20.75secs.
Two-time silver medalist Kenny Bednarek and men’s 100m silver medal winner Letsile Tebogo qualified for the final billed for Friday (today) after they both finished first and second in 19.96secs and 19.97secs respectively.
Meanwhile, Nigerians have backed Amusan to return stronger in future following her disappointing finish in the final of the 100m hurdles at the ongoing World Championship, The PUNCH reports.
Ace journalist, Toyin Ibitoye wrote, “For all the distractions before the World Championships, making it to the final is as good as a podium finish….better luck next time Tobi Amusan. You are still our World Champion and World Record Holder.”
Femni Adekanye wrote, “I’m so proud of Tobi Amusan, she will come back stronger. If the title isn’t coming to Nigeria, we support the Jamaicans. Congratulations to Danielle Williams, a worthy winner.”
@AbiolaMaylaw added, “It has been a tough season for Tobi Amusan. I hope she comes back bigger and better! All the best Golden Girl.”
Amusan was temporarily suspended by the AIU for missing three whereabouts tests in 12 months and was only cleared to compete two days before the World Champions.
