Tobi Amusan Silences Critics with Blistering 12.53s Win at Tokyo 2025

Tobi Amusan proved once again that while she’s not afraid to call out issues off the track, she’s sharp-as-ever when she sprints.

On Sunday at the Tokyo 2025 World Athletics Championships, Amusan won Heat 6 of the women’s 100m hurdles with a time of 12.53 seconds, comfortably ahead of Devynne Charlton (Bahamas) in 12.69s and Elena Carraro (Italy) in 12.86s.

This win came hot on the heels of her very public criticism of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), where she railed against what she described as poor-quality kits: “I have to wear a black Adidas tight… Other countries give their athletes at least two kits…” she said in a video.

The AFN didn’t take it lying down. President Tonobok Okowa replied that full kits were supplied (allegedly in batches), and pointed out Amusan was flown business class to Tokyo. He insists that everything required was delivered, that the sponsorship (from a global brand, Hiracer) came free, and that athletes received spiked shoes, tracksuits, etc.

But here’s the punch: despite the controversy and the distractions, Amusan didn’t let it cost her focus. Her heat win was dominant, she shook off slow reaction times, moved cleanly over the hurdles, and made it obvious she means business.

All eyes now turn to Tuesday’s semi-final, where she’ll have to keep delivering under pressure. If Tokyo 2025 is anything like 2022 was, she might be gearing up for something historic again.