World record holder Tobi Amusan says she is not feeling any pressure to sustain her impressive form this season after securing her second Diamond League victory of the year in Paris on Sunday, NEWSCLICK Sports reports.
The Nigerian hurdler matched her season-best time of 12.28s to win the women’s 100m hurdles, finishing ahead of Americans Grace Stark, who clocked 12.38s, and Alaysha Johnson, who came third in 12.39s.
It marked the third occasion this season that the 29-year-old has recorded 12.28s, having previously posted the same time at the Xiamen and Rabat Diamond League meetings in May.
The Paris win was her second triumph on the Diamond League circuit this season after her success in Rabat. Earlier this month, she also claimed victory at the New Taipei City Athletics Open and won gold at the African Championships in Botswana.
Amusan, who is seeking another Diamond League title after winning three consecutive crowns from 2021 to 2023, currently holds the second-fastest time in the world this season behind Masai Russell’s 12.14s. Despite that, she insists there is no pressure on her to end the campaign on a high.
“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 will be hoping to reclaim the Diamond League title this season after her remarkable run of three straight victories between 2021 and 2023.
