World record holder in the women’s 100m hurdles, Tobi Amusan, began her 2025 outdoor campaign with a fourth-place result at the Diamond League season opener held in Xiamen, China, on Saturday.
In her first hurdles outing since competing at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Amusan clocked a time of 12.74 seconds. The race was dominated by reigning world champion Danielle Williams, who crossed the line first in 12.53 seconds.
Grace Stark of the United States secured second place with a time of 12.58 seconds, while South Africa’s Marione Fourie clinched third, finishing in 12.62 seconds.
Williams thrilled spectators with a remarkable come-from-behind win, unleashing a powerful late surge to overtake Stark just meters before the finish line.
Meanwhile, World Indoor Champion Devynne Charlton of the Bahamas was unable to complete the race after striking a hurdle early and recording a “Did Not Finish” (DNF).
Amusan Targets Upcoming World Relays After Xiamen Return
Following her Xiamen performance, Amusan has been included in Nigeria’s women’s 4x100m relay squad for the upcoming World Relays in Guangzhou, China, scheduled for next month. With another competition on the horizon, she is expected to remain in China ahead of the Yangtze River Delta Athletics Diamond Gala, set to take place at the China Textile City Sports Centre on May 3.
Prior to Saturday’s hurdles race, Amusan had already made a brief return to the track in the 100 meters last month, where she posted a season-best 11.28 seconds to win at the Velocity Fest 16 in Kingston, Jamaica.
In preparation for her 2025 season, Amusan trained under legendary coach Glen Mills—famed for mentoring sprint icon Usain Bolt—during the off-season. This strategic collaboration signaled her ambition to stage a strong comeback after a challenging close to last year’s campaign.
At 28 years old, Amusan boasts an impressive résumé, having won the Diamond League 100m hurdles crown three times in succession—securing victories in 2021, 2022, and 2023.
As she continues to sharpen her form and rhythm, fans will be watching closely to see if Amusan can regain her dominant edge on the global stage in the coming months.
