World record holder in the women’s 100m hurdles, Tobi Amusan, has withdrawn from the Diamond League Final 2025 in Zurich, bringing an unexpected twist to the season’s closing event.
The two-day final, which began on Wednesday and concludes today (Thursday), gathers the world’s top athletes across multiple disciplines with a $50,000 prize up for grabs for each winner.
Amusan Pulls Out Despite Strong Qualification
Amusan, who entered the season as one of the top contenders, qualified for the Diamond League final as the second-ranked athlete in her discipline after collecting 27 points during the season. However, she has now pulled out of the competition and has been replaced by Devynne Charlton of the Bahamas.
The women’s 100m hurdles lineup now features Charlton, reigning world champion Danielle Williams, fellow Jamaican Ackera Nugent, Dutch runner Nadine Visser, Swiss athletes Ditaji Kambundji and Selina von Jackowski, along with American trio Tonea Marshall, Grace Stark, and Kendra Harrison.
Amusan’s Record and Previous Titles
The Nigerian superstar, aged 28, is no stranger to Zurich. She holds the meet record of 12.29s, set in September 2022 when she claimed her second Diamond League crown. Amusan has also dominated the event historically, winning three consecutive Diamond League titles in 2021, 2022, and 2023.
Her withdrawal is being interpreted as a strategic decision to focus on recovery ahead of the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo next month. During her last race at the Lausanne Diamond League, Amusan appeared to stumble at the first hurdle and finished fifth with a time of 12.82s.
Other Nigerian Athletes in Focus
While Amusan steps aside, attention shifts to other Nigerian athletes making headlines in Zurich:
- Favour Ofili: The sprinter was expected to feature in the women’s 200m but has been delisted despite previously meeting the qualifying mark.
- Ezekiel Nathaniel: The African record holder in the men’s 400m hurdles remains in contention for the title. Fresh from his first professional career win in Lausanne with a time of 48.08s, Nathaniel will be one to watch.
- Udodi Onwuzurike: After making his Diamond League debut last week, the rising Nigerian star is listed for the men’s 200m final in Zurich.
Looking Ahead
Amusan’s absence may disappoint fans, but it underscores her focus on long-term performance and recovery ahead of the global stage in Tokyo. With Nathaniel and Onwuzurike stepping up, Nigerian athletics still maintains a strong presence in Zurich.
