Kambundji Surprised and Proud After Beating Amusan to Win World Title

Swiss hurdler Ditaji Kambundji said she was surprised but proud after beating Nigeria’s Tobi Amusan to win gold in the women’s 100m hurdles at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo on Monday.

Kambundji, 23, ran a stunning race to take first place in a national record time of 12.24 seconds — her first ever major international title.

She narrowly beat Amusan, the world record holder, who finished second in 12.29 seconds. American Grace Stark won the bronze in 12.34 seconds.

Speaking after the race, Kambundji said she knew Amusan was one of the toughest athletes to beat.

“Beating someone like Amusan, who has done so much in this event, means a lot,” Kambundji said. “I knew I had to give everything. Everyone in the race was strong, but I still can’t believe I came out on top.”

Kambundji wasn’t seen as a favourite before the race. Just a year ago, she didn’t even make it to the final at the Tokyo Olympics, and last year she finished seventh at the World Championships in Budapest.

“It’s crazy. I believed in myself, but I was still surprised,” she said. “You could see on my face how happy I was when I realised I had won. I’ve worked so hard for this moment.”

The victory was even more special because it happened on the same track where her older sister, Mujinga Kambundji, once raced. Mujinga, a well-known sprinter and multiple Olympic finalist, is now expecting her first child.

“I thought about my sister a lot during these days,” Ditaji said. “She’s been a big inspiration for me, and I know she’ll be so happy. I’m bringing home something truly special.”