September 23, (THEWILL) – Tobi Amusan’s journey in athletics has been one of highs and lows, mirroring the unpredictable nature of sports careers. Her story began with promise, developed into triumph, faced adversity and now stands at a crossroads that demands attention and support from her home country, Nigeria.
Before becoming Nigeria’s first-ever world record holder, Amusan showed potential that hinted at future greatness. Her early career was marked by steady improvement and a growing reputation in the track and field community. She represented Nigeria in various international competitions, gradually climbing the ranks and catching the eye of athletics enthusiasts worldwide.
However the pinnacle of Amusan’s career came in July 2022 at the World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon, USA. There, she not only won the 100-metre hurdles event but did so in spectacular fashion, setting a new world record of 12.12 seconds. This performance catapulted her into the global spotlight and established her as the premier athlete in her discipline.
However, the path of a top athlete is rarely smooth. Amusan soon faced significant challenges. In July 2023, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) brought charges against her for whereabouts violations. These charges stemmed from three missed tests within a 12-month period, a serious offence under anti-doping regulations that can result in a suspension of up to two years.
The accusation put Amusan in a difficult position. The 27-year-old maintained her innocence, asserting that she had never engaged in doping practices. Nevertheless, the charges cast a shadow over her reputation and put her under intense scrutiny. The stress of fighting these allegations while trying to maintain her athletic form took a toll on her, both mentally and physically.
She took her case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), seeking to clear her name and preserve her ability to compete. In August 2023, just before the World Championships in Budapest, CAS ruled in her favour. The court determined that she had not deliberately violated anti-doping regulations, allowing her to continue her athletic career without suspension.
While this legal victory was crucial for Amusan’s career, the emotional and mental strain of the ordeal had already affected her performance. At the World Championships in Budapest, she finished sixth, a stark contrast to her dominant form from the previous year. This disappointing result marked the beginning of a challenging period in her career.
The Paris 2024 Olympic Games presented another opportunity for Amusan to regain her top form, but the lingering effects of her legal battle were evident. In a shocking turn of events, she failed to qualify for the 100-metre hurdles final. This outcome was a significant blow for an athlete of her calibre and further indication that she had not fully recovered from the turmoil of the previous year.
In the months following the Paris Olympics, Amusan’s absence from major athletic events compounded her decline. Without regular competition, she was unable to accumulate the necessary points to maintain her world ranking. The consequences of this inactivity have been severe. Recent updates to the World Athletics rankings show that Amusan has not only fallen out of the top 10 in her event but also dropped to 13th position in the 100m hurdles and 132nd in the overall women’s rankings.
This dramatic fall from grace marks the first time since the inception of the World Athletics rankings in January 2019 that Amusan has been outside the top 10 in her event. More alarmingly, she is no longer considered among the top 100 female sprinters in the world. For an athlete who once held the world record and was ranked number one in her event, this decline is nothing short of stunning.
The question now is how Amusan can regain her former status and what role various Nigerian entities can play in supporting her comeback. Several key stakeholders have the power to make a significant impact on her career trajectory and the future of Nigerian athletics as a whole.
The Athletics Federation of Nigeria, the Nigerian Sports Ministry, the Nigerian Government, Nigerian businesses, the media in Nigeria and Nigerians in general can come together to create a tailored comeback plan to get Amusan back to speed.
The AFN and Sports Ministry can provide her with a dedicated support team, including coaches, physiotherapists and sports psychologists. The government could designate her as a sports ambassador, providing funding and opportunities to represent Nigeria internationally. Private companies could offer sponsorship deals to ensure financial stability as she focuses on training and competition. Media outlets can feature her comeback journey, maintaining public interest and support. Fellow Nigerians can rally behind her through social media campaigns and attendance at her races.
Tobi Amusan’s fall from the top rankings of world athletics serves as a wake-up call for Nigerian sports. Her situation highlights the need for a robust support system for athletes, not just in times of triumph but also during struggles. With concerted effort from all sectors of Nigerian society, she can potentially reclaim her position among the world’s elite athletes.
Getting back to the top will be challenging, requiring not only physical training but also mental fortitude. Amusan must overcome the psychological impact of her recent experiences and rediscover the confidence that once made her a world beater. With the right support system in place, she can focus on what she does best – running fast and clearing those barriers.
Amusan’s story is far from over. At 27 years-old, she still has time to make a comeback. Many great athletes have faced setbacks only to return stronger. With the backing of her nation, she can write the next chapter of her athletic career – one of redemption, perseverance, and potentially, renewed glory on the world stage.
The challenge now lies with Nigeria as a whole. The nation must decide if it will rally behind its fallen star and provide the support necessary for her to rise again. In doing so, Nigeria has the opportunity to not only aid one athlete but to create a model for supporting all its sports talent, ensuring that future generations of Nigerian athletes have the resources and backing they need to compete at the highest levels of world athletics.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
