By Victor Kanayo
Nigeria’s sprint star Tobi Amusan has reached the semi-final of the 100m hurdles in the ongoing World Athletics Championship in Budapest, Hungary.
This was after she returned a time of 12.48 seconds to come first in Heat 5 on Tuesday.
Amusan, whose world record is 12.12, was slow out of the blocks before cruising to a time of 12.48 seconds, third fastest on the night.
Amusan’s End Time, Others
The fastest time was returned by America’s Kendra Harrison in Heat 3.
She returned at 12.24 seconds.
Harrison was followed by Bahama’s Devynne Charlton who returned after 12.44 seconds.
There are five heats in all. Four top finishers in each heat will automatically qualify for the semi-finals and will be joined by four others with fastest time.
Triumphant Return, Fine Form
Just over a year after smashing the world record in Eugene, Oregon USA, Amusan has enjoyed a superb run of form, defending her Diamond League title in a record-breaking season that saw her set impressive records.
Amusan’s presence at the global showpiece was a surprise, with her suspension lifted just two days before the meet began.
The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) provisionally suspended the Nigerian last month due to three whereabouts failures within a 12-month period, but the decision was overturned by the AIU’s disciplinary tribunal panel.