Former American middle-distance runner Kyle Merber believes those who questioned Tobi Amusan after her women’s 100m hurdles world record in 2022 owe the Nigerian an apology, following the growing belief that the mark could soon be broken.
Amusan set the world record during the 2022 World Championships in Eugene, clocking 12.12s in the semi-finals to erase the previous record of 12.20s set in 2016 by American hurdler Kendra Harrison. She also ran 12.06s in the final, but it didn’t stand due to heavy wind.
At the time, several respected voices in athletics, including former American sprinter Michael Johnson, cast doubt on the legitimacy of the performance, suggesting the time was almost impossible. Others speculated about the influence of new spike technology, the track conditions and even doping allegations.
However, after American hurdler Masai Russell ran 12.14s at the Xiamen Diamond League last Saturday, conversations around the event have shifted dramatically, with many now openly backing Russell to break Amusan’s world record given her recent form.
Reacting to the changing narrative, Merber said the criticism Amusan faced in 2022 now appears unfair.