Amusan: ‘I am most definitely building up for the World Championships’

Reigning world 100m hurdles champion and record holder, Tobi Amusan, says she is steadily building towards a successful title defence at next month’s World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary after scorching home first in a new 12.34 personal season’s best to win at the Silesia Diamond League meeting on Sunday afternoon.

The Nigerian also equalled the meeting record held by her fircest rival, Jasmine Camacho-Quinn of Puerto Rico in what was her fifth win in 20 Diamond League races.

Amusan, 26, is seeking to become the first Nigerian to successfully defend all the major titles she has competed in after her successful African Championships, Commonwealth Games and Diamond League title defence last year.

The petite sprint hurdler expressed delight to run a new personal season’s best despite her injury worries.

‘It was not easy for me with injuries in my hamstring and my knee. But I trusted in my coach and my work. It is all about the process. I just won this in a smooth style, I was just running. Honestly, I had no idea that I won when I crossed the finish line.

‘About the World Championships – I take it one step after the next. I knew it was going to be a battle until the finish line. I am happy to compete against the best. I am just out here doing well, I would not say that I am the best.

‘I came out there I was not feeling too good. About my start – I would not say that I executed, but the second part of the race was really good. I am most definitely building up for the World Championships, extremely satisfied with my SB – one step at a time,’ said the Nigerian post race.