Amusan Wins Silver As Russell Claims Ultimate 100m Hurdles Crown At Maiden Ultimate Championship

Nigeria’s Tobi Amusan reaffirmed her status as one of the world’s leading hurdlers after winning silver in the women’s 100m hurdles at the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championships in Budapest on Friday.

The former world record holder produced a strong run of 12.34 seconds to finish second behind American Olympic champion Masai Russell, who completed an unbeaten season by winning the title in 12.22 seconds.

Amusan’s silver was another significant global podium finish in a remarkable career that has seen her establish herself among the elite of women’s sprint hurdles.

The Nigerian entered the Budapest final facing a formidable challenge from Russell, who had taken the world record from her only last month with a stunning 12.09 seconds in Zurich.

Russell’s record-breaking performance ended Amusan’s long reign as world record holder, with the Nigerian having set the previous mark of 12.12 seconds in 2022.

Despite losing her world record, Amusan showed in Budapest that she remains a major force in the event, producing a composed performance to finish ahead of Dutch hurdler Nadine Visser, who took bronze in 12.39 seconds.

The result provides another reminder of Amusan’s remarkable consistency at the highest level and her ability to remain competitive against a new generation of world-class hurdlers.

Her career already includes the historic 12.12-second world record, a world championship title and three Diamond League 100m hurdles crowns, among numerous other major achievements.

Russell, meanwhile, completed a sensational season with another victory, adding the inaugural Ultimate Championships title to her growing list of achievements.

But while the American’s victory further strengthened her position at the top of the event, Amusan’s silver medal ensured the Nigerian remained firmly among the sport’s leading names.

For Amusan, the Budapest performance represents a significant response after surrendering her world record to Russell and underlines her enduring quality on the international stage.

The Nigerian may no longer own the fastest time ever recorded in the event, but her latest global podium finish demonstrated that Amusan’s reign among the elite is far from over.