Former American middle-distance runner Kyle Merber has said critics who doubted Tobi Amusan after her women’s 100m hurdles world record in 2022 owe the Nigerian athlete an apology.
Amusan stunned the athletics world at the 2022 World Championships in Eugene when she clocked 12.12 seconds in the semi-finals to break the previous world record of 12.20 seconds set by American hurdler Kendra Harrison.
Her performance sparked widespread debate at the time, with some athletes and commentators questioning the legitimacy of the feat and raising concerns over track conditions, spike technology and possible doping.
However, following recent fast times recorded in the women’s 100m hurdles, particularly the 12.14 seconds run by American hurdler Masai Russell at the Xiamen Diamond League, opinions around Amusan’s record appear to be changing.
Reacting to the development, Merber said the criticism directed at the Nigerian athlete now appears unfair.
“We should collectively apologise to Tobi Amusan because in 2022, when she ran fast, everyone who was not from Nigeria had an opinion,” Merber said on the CITIUS MAG Podcast.
According to him, the recent performances in the event have shown that Amusan’s world record is achievable and legitimate.
“Now, that 12.12s looks attainable and it seems Masai Russell is coming for it,” he added.
Amusan remains one of the world’s leading hurdlers and has continued to impress on the global stage since setting the record.
