By Felix Onojaiyefe
Reigning World Athletics, Commonwealth Games, and African Champion in 100 metres hurdles, Tobi Amusan, has revealed that she borrowed money to prepare herself for the World Championships where she shattered the world record with a 12.12seconds run.
Amusan who was speaking at reception and home-coming dinner event in Lagos organised by her management outfit, Plug Sports, spoke about her journey to the top, aspirations, relationships, and future plans.
ON ROAD TO SUCCESS: I’m willing to do anything to keep my focus. For instance, I borrowed $50,000 loan to prepare for the World Athletics Championships. I got injured a couple of times. There was so much I needed to do when it comes to my health as a professional athlete, and staying on top of my game required a lot of funding.
WEDDING PLANS? “I’m chilling. Right now, I am working hard on myself, and my career. I know at the right time a man will come. There are men watching me now but at the right time my man will come.”
WORLD RECORD DELIGHT: “That is the best feeling ever because we know we’ve done the work. It’s a breath of fresh air for me and I’m still getting a hang of everything happening to me right now. My 200 million soldiers across Nigeria supported me through the World Championships, Commonwealth Games, and the Diamond League, I trust them.
“It was accomplished for me because looking back at the previous years of major tournaments and championships; it was always fourth-place finish. That one time was not just like any medal. It was a world record; the first Nigerian to do everything on that stage. I felt elated.”
“This is a competitive event and I would not say it is not challenging. When I lined-up against the other seven, I knew it was me versus the clock. In as much as you are aware of the environment and the people, you are competing against; you just have to bring your A-Game every time.”
MICHAEL JOHNSON DOUBTS: “Honestly, I keep doing my thing because, after the World Championship, I have other competitions to attend. I don’t dwell on negativity so I look at the brighter side of the sport. Every time I step on the track, the goal is to win.
“At least the few Nigerians that appreciate what we do give us a follow and those that love other things just come on your page and scroll by. But I am still grateful for the little support system I’ve got.
“If my world record is ratified, it means I am clean and free. That feels great. And if you are asking for an update on my doping test, I would like to say that it is confidential. It is between me and the officials of the competition (WADA) and not for the public.
CWG 4X100M RELAY PALAVA: “Honestly, my name is Tobi Amusan and for Grace Nkwocha, we are not related. Although, I competed in the race but that is something she has to account for. Until the final verdict is passed, I can’t speak on behalf of anybody.”
ON FUTURE PLANS:To keep working at standing up for myself. Just build on what I have and keep showing up.
ON PARENTS:They have not been in this kind of spotlight before now. Everybody wants to come behind my back and talk to my family. It is not done like that. There are procedures to follow. My management had to set up a meeting to discuss things. And I really do not want them to be caught up in the moment with the press in their faces.
ON THE TITLE ‘OFFICER OF THE NIGER OF THE ORDER (OON)’:It is a great feeling to be recognised by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. In as much as we did the work, it is an honour that took accountability that we did make the nation proud. It was such a great feeling getting that title.
THE NEXT TOBI AMUSAN: Grassroots development of the sport is something we actually lack. We tend to lose our top athletes to trainers in the United States. If we have such development here to groom young ones, we are going to have a lot of Tobi Amusan.
FAVOURITE ACTOR:
Laughs… On the male side, Odunlade Adekola, and on the female, Mide Martins.
ON HOBBIES: I sleep. A lot. As an athlete, I eat everything that I can, especially things that can give me energy.