Nigeria’s world record holder, Tobi Amusan, missed out on a third consecutive Commonwealth Games women’s 100 metres hurdles title after finishing third in Thursday’s final in Glasgow.
Amusan who was injured before the finals, managed to cross the finish line in 12.60 seconds to claim the bronze medal, ending her reign as Commonwealth champion in the event.
The gold medal went to Bahamas’ Devynne Charlton, who produced an impressive performance to win in 12.33 seconds, while Jamaica’s Megan Simmonds secured the silver medal with a time of 12.41 seconds.
The Nigerian entered the competition as the overwhelming favourite, having recorded the fastest season’s best in the field at 12.28 seconds
She had also underlined her title credentials by winning her qualifying heat in 12.19 seconds, although the performance was aided by a strong tailwind. In that race, she finished ahead of South Africa’s Marione Fourie and Jamaica’s Kerrica Hill.
Despite her strong form heading into the final, Amusan was unable to replicate her best performance as Charlton delivered a commanding race to deny the Nigerian a historic third straight Commonwealth Games title.
The bronze-medal finish comes after another impressive season for the 29-year-old, who finished second at the prestigious Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon, the venue where she set the world record of 12.12 seconds in 2022.
Amusan has also enjoyed success on the Diamond League circuit this season, winning titles in Paris and Rabat, while matching her season’s best of 12.28 seconds on three occasions.
Although she fell short of retaining her Commonwealth crown, Amusan’s podium finish adds another medal to her distinguished international career and contributes to Team Nigeria’s campaign at the Games.
