By Maxwell Kumoye, Trust Ittai
Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) president Tonobok Okowa said world record holder in the women 100m hurdles, Tobi Amusan is a worthy example of an athlete that should be emulated by up-and-coming track and field talents in the country.
Okowa was reacting to the recent induction into the University of Texas, El Paso Hall of Fame. He said the honour will encourage other young and talented athletes to go for glory and do more in their various disciplines, adding that Amusan who rose through the ranks to be a world elite athlete is a role model that a lot of young athletes, male and female look up to and honouring her is the icing on the cake.
“We are really, really elated that the University of Texas, El Paso in America is bestowing such honour on Tobi Amusan, she is a beacon, and her light will continue to radiate beyond the shores of Africa and the track,” Okowa stated.
“This esteemed honour is a very strong signal and indications to Amusan’s outstanding achievements on and off the racetracks.”
She became the first Nigerian to win a World Athletics Championship gold medal in Oregon USA, a feat that has engraved her status as one of the greatest athletes in Nigerian and World history.
Besides this, Amusan has set multiple records in the 100m hurdles, including the current world record, which is a testament to her exceptional commitment, speed, agility, determination and endurance.
A three-time Olympian, Amusan has won numerous African and Commonwealth Games titles, demonstrating her dominance in regional and international Championships.
Amusan, an alumna of UTEP, joined the institution’s 2024 Hall of Fame class, becoming the youngest-ever female athlete from UTEP to achieve this feat.
AMUSAN’S IMPRESSIVE PERFORMANCE
★ Competed for the Miners for two seasons – 2016-17
★ She captured the national title in the 100-meter hurdles (12.57) at the 2017 NCAA Outdoor Championships
★ She was a three-time All-American, finishing runner-up in the event at the NCAAs in 2016
★ Amusan was also a five-time Conference USA champion
★ She holds the school record in the indoor 60-meter hurdles (7.98) and the 100-meter hurdles outdoors (12.57)
Amusan a multiple double degree holder from UTEP, has consistently demonstrated her commitment to academic excellence and athletic prowess.
As she is making headway in her academic career, Amusan’s impressive athletic career has also been highlighted by several notable achievements.
The AFN President, stressed that, there are many young and talented athletes all over Nigeria who are ready, willing and determined to make Nigeria proud. All they need is support, encouragement and the right atmosphere to thrive.
“I’m very confident that with adequate funding and right policies the new look National Sports Commission (NSC), under the leadership of Mallam Shehu Dikko and Honourable Bukola Olawale Olopade, AFN shall produce more ‘Tobi Amusan’ in the future,” Okowa who is also the CAA region two president added.