By Seyi Babalola
Tobi Amusan is Nigeria’s best prospect of capturing a medal at this year’s Olympic Games in Paris, France.
The West African country is yet to finish on the podium, and the competition will conclude on Sunday, August 11.
Amusan, the world record holder in the 100m hurdles, will run in the event’s semi-finals on Friday.
She qualified on Wednesday in 12.49 seconds, ahead of Alaysha Johnson of the United States, who finished second in 12.61 seconds, and Janeek Brown in third place in 12.84 seconds.
Amusan will compete against reigning world champion Danielle Williams, Grace Stark of the United States, and Devynne Charlton of the Bahamas to qualify for the final.
The first two finishers in each race will automatically advance to Saturday’s final, along with the two quickest non-automatic qualifiers.
Amusan, a three-time (consecutive) Diamond League winner, two-time Commonwealth Games gold medalist, two-time African champion, and three-time African Games gold medalist, has competed in two Olympics (Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020).