Reigning 100m hurdles world record holder Tobi Amusan says her move to Jamaica and the opportunity to train under legendary coach Glen Mills at Racers Track Club has been transformative, both physically and mentally, as she builds toward the peak of her 2025 season.
Speaking with international media ahead of the Adidas Atlanta City Games, the Nigerian sprint hurdler shared how the transition to Kingston—home of one of the most iconic training outfits in track and field—has renewed her motivation following a difficult period after the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
“It feels like home,” Amusan said. “Everyone there has been so welcoming. Great training group, great coaches—everything has just clicked. I’m really happy to be where I feel I belong.”
Amusan, who was previously coached by Jamaican Olympian Lacena Golding-Clarke, joined Racers in late 2024. The move followed an emotionally taxing year and a disappointing Olympic campaign. She credited the environment at Racers and the support from Coach Mills and her new training partners with helping her rebound from what she described as “a dark place.”
“Paris was tough—I was in a dark place,” she admitted. “But with the help of my family, mentors, and the environment I’ve found here, I’ve been able to get back to training and slowly rebuild into being Tobi again.”
Amusan became a global sensation in 2022 at the World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon, when she smashed the world record in the 100m hurdles semi-finals with an electrifying 12.12 seconds. She followed it up with a wind-aided 12.06 in the final to secure her first world title—cementing her status as the fastest sprint hurdler in history.
Now under the guidance of Coach Mills—best known for developing Usain Bolt, Yohan Blake, and Warren Weir—Amusan is focused on refining her speed and execution, often competing in open sprint events as part of her buildup.
“I’ve done more sprinting than hurdling so far this year, and it’s really showing in my races,” she explained. “When the hurdling catches up to the sprinting, it’s going to come together nicely.”
While hurdling remains her primary event, Amusan admitted that sprinting has become an enjoyable part of her training.
“I love sprinting,” she said with a smile. “But hurdling is my thing. Thankfully, with the training group I’m in now, I can combine both—speed development and technical work. It’s the best of both worlds.”
Despite the pressure that comes with being the world record holder, Amusan insists her mindset remains grounded.
“There’s always pressure when you step on the track with a time like (that) beside your name,” she said. “But I don’t dwell on it. Every season I remind myself—no pressure. I stay in my lane, trust my training, and let the times take care of themselves.”
At Racers, Amusan trains among athletes with shared goals and under a coach whose track record speaks for itself. It’s an environment she feels is key to her continued growth.
“The energy at Racers is real. Everyone’s focused, and Coach Mills is very intentional. We’re taking it one race at a time, not rushing anything, and just building.”
Looking ahead, Amusan says she’s open to contesting more sprint events—possibly even doubling at select meets—depending on how her preparation progresses.
“We’re looking into it. Right now, it’s about laying the foundation. When it’s time to compete at full throttle, we’ll be ready.”
With a re-energised approach and Jamaica now part of her journey, Tobi Amusan is not just back—she’s ready to write the next chapter of her historic career.