‘No pressure’ — Amusan reflects on Paris win

World record holder Tobi Amusan has dismissed suggestions that she is under pressure to maintain her impressive form after securing victory at the Paris Diamond League on Sunday.

The Nigerian sprint hurdler won the women’s 100m hurdles in a season’s best-equalling time of 12.28 seconds, finishing ahead of Americans Grace Stark, who clocked 12.38 seconds, and Alaysha Johnson, who crossed the line in 12.39 seconds.

The victory marked another impressive outing for the 29-year-old, who has now recorded 12.28 seconds on three occasions this season. She first posted the time at the Xiamen Diamond League before matching it again at the Rabat Diamond League in May, and repeated the feat in Paris.

The victory was her second on the Diamond League circuit this season, following her triumph in Rabat. She had earlier won the New Taipei City Athletics Open this month and also claimed gold at the African Championships in Botswana.

Poised to challenge for another Diamond League title after winning three consecutive crowns between 2021 and 2023, and having recorded the second-fastest time in the world this season behind Masai Russell’s 12.14s, the Nigerian insisted she was not feeling any pressure to finish the campaign strongly.

“I do not like the warm weather at all, but whatever the weather, I was going to come out here and kill it. My execution was alright. I am just happy to be injury free,” she told the Diamond League website.

“The pressure does not get to me. I have grace, a very strong support system around me, and that finish line. So I am never worried about pressure on the night.

“My approach to the hurdles varies. Sometimes you are thinking about what has just happened. Other days, it is really sloppy and I still come out and run a fast time. I try to take a shot at every race.

“I’ll be competing at the Prefontaine Classic next, but I am yet to decide where to race after that.”

Amusan, who won three straight Diamond League titles from 2021 to 2023, will be aiming to reclaim the trophy this season.