World record holder and Nigeria’s leading medal hope, Tobi Amusan, failed to qualify for the final of the women’s 100 meters hurdles at the Paris Olympics on Friday.
Competing in the first semi-final, Amusan clocked a time of 12.55 seconds (.548) to finish third, missing out on an automatic qualification spot. With two more semi-finals to go, Amusan had to wait to see if her time would be fast enough to secure one of the remaining slots for the final.
Unfortunately, her hopes were dashed when athletes in the third semi-final posted faster times, eliminating her from the final contention.
The race was won by Grace Stark of the United States, who crossed the finish line in 12.39 seconds. Devynne Charlton of Bahrain followed closely, securing second place with a time of 12.50 seconds.
Amusan and Poland’s Pia Skrzyszowska both finished with identical times of 12.55 seconds, but Amusan’s reaction time cost her a spot in the final.
Amusan’s exit marks a significant blow to Team Nigeria’s medal hopes, as the world record holder was seen as the nation’s best chance for a podium finish.
With just two days remaining in the Paris Olympics, Nigeria may be facing the prospect of leaving the Games without a single medal.
