Former Athlete Calls for Apology to Tobi Amusan Over Record Doubts
Former American middle‑distance runner Kyle Merber has stated that those who questioned Tobi Amusan after her historic women’s 100m hurdles world record in 2022 owe the Nigerian athlete an apology.
A Record‑Breaking Performance in Eugene
At the 2022 World Championships in Eugene, Amusan stunned the athletics world by clocking 12.12 seconds in the semi‑finals, shattering the previous world record of 12.20 seconds set by Kendra Harrison in 2016.
She followed that with an even faster 12.06‑second run in the final, although the time was not ratified due to excessive wind assistance.
Initial Skepticism and Changing Perceptions
The remarkable improvement sparked widespread debate, with high‑profile figures such as former sprinter Michael Johnson raising concerns about spike technology, track conditions, and even doping.
Speaking on the CITIUS MAG Podcast, Merber said the criticism now appears misplaced.
“We should collectively apologise to Tobi Amusan because in 2022, when she ran fast, everyone who was not from Nigeria had an opinion.”
— Kyle Merber
Merber added that, as similar performances have become more common in recent years, Amusan’s 12.12‑second mark now looks attainable. He cited Masai Russell’s 12.14‑second run at the Xiamen Diamond League as evidence that the record is within reach.
Post‑Record Challenges and Recent Form
A year after setting the world record, Amusan faced a provisional suspension by the Athletics Integrity Unit over missed whereabouts filings ahead of the 2023 World Championships in Budapest. She was cleared to compete just days before the event but failed to defend her title.
Her fastest outing since then remains a 12.24‑second run at the Meeting de Paris in June 2025. This season she has already posted a season’s best of 12.28 seconds and secured a third African title, showing she remains among the world’s elite hurdlers.
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