Nigerian hurdling star, Tobi Amusan, has paid tribute to her coaches, Glen Mills and former mentor Lacena Golding-Clarke, for guiding her to a historic silver medal in the women’s 100 metres hurdles at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo on Monday.
Amusan finished just behind Switzerland’s Ditaji Kambundji, who stunned the field with a new Swiss national record of 12.24 seconds, while Amusan clocked a blazing 12.29 seconds.
Her performance not only earned her a place on the podium but also cemented her legacy as Nigeria’s first athlete to win multiple medals in the 100m hurdles at the World Championships.
Reflecting on her journey, Amusan spoke about her decision to move to Jamaica in September 2024 to train under the legendary Glen Mills at Racers Track Club.
The move came after a disappointing outing at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where she failed to reach the final.
“In September last year, I made a decision to explore new training opportunities,” Amusan revealed during an interview with MakingOfChampions. “It wasn’t easy leaving Coach Lacena, who helped me win the 2022 World title and set my world record, but we all agreed it was the right step. Glen Mills challenged me in ways I hadn’t experienced before. The first two months were very tough, but it all paid off.”
Amusan described the collaboration between her current and former coaches as crucial to her success.
“Glen believed in me, pushed me, and trusted my abilities. At the same time, Coach Lacena’s guidance didn’t stop—she was involved, offering advice and support. This medal is as much theirs as it is mine,” she said.
Her Tokyo silver marks a triumphant return to the global stage after three years of struggles, including several major championships where she didn’t make the podium.
“It feels incredible to come back and prove to myself and everyone that I’m still at my best,” Amusan said.
The decision to train under Glen Mills initially drew skepticism from fans in Nigeria and track enthusiasts worldwide, who questioned whether a coach known for sprint legends could effectively guide a hurdler.
Amusan’s Tokyo performance has decisively answered those doubts, showcasing the Nigerian star in peak form once again.
