Amusan downplays season pressure after Paris win

World record holder Tobi Amusan says she is not under pressure to maintain her top form this season after claiming victory of the year at the Paris Diamond League on Sunday, PidomNigeria Sports Extra reports.

Amusan equalled her season’s best of 12.28s to win the women’s 100m hurdles ahead of American duo Grace Stark, who finished second in 12.38s, and Alaysha Johnson, who placed third in 12.39s.

It was the third time the 29-year-old had clocked 12.28s this season, having posted the same time at the Xiamen Diamond League and the Rabat Diamond League in May.

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.