Tobi Amusan: The power of stepping back to leap further
The story of Tobi Amusan leading up to her performance at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo is one of profound silence and strategic reinvention.
After a challenging 2024 season, where she missed the final at the Paris Olympics, Amusan made a pivotal career decision that took place largely out of the spotlight.
In September 2024, one month after her disappointment in Paris, Amusan made the unexpected choice to relocate to Jamaica. She joined the Racers Track Club to train under the legendary Glen Mills, the coach famous for guiding Usain Bolt to global dominance.
Nigeria’s Tobi Amusan qualifies for women’s 100m semifinals at Paris Olympics
This move was described as a “shocking” career decision, as it meant leaving her long-term coach, Lacena Golding-Clarke, who had guided her to her 2022 World Title and world record.
During this period, Amusan described herself as being in a “dark phase.” Away from the intense media scrutiny in Nigeria, she focused on: Mental Health: Rebuilding her confidence with the help of family and mentors. Technical Reinvention: Focusing more on her raw sprinting speed rather than just hurdles technique. Professionalism: Coach Mills praised her “refreshing approach” and dedication, noting that she worked tirelessly to rebuild her form.
When she finally emerged on the world stage in Tokyo in September 2025, the results of her “silent” year were immediate. Amusan dominated her heats and won her semi-final in 12.36 seconds.
Nigeria’s Tobi Amusan qualifies for women’s 100m semifinals at Paris Olympics
In a high-stakes final on September 15, 2025, she powered to a Silver medal with a time of 12.29 seconds.
She finished just behind Switzerland’s Ditaji Kambundji, who set a national record of 12.24s for the gold.
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