Tobi Amusan: Nigeria faces medal drought at Paris 2024 Olympics
As the Paris 2024 Olympics approach its final stretch, Nigeria’s hopes of securing a medal have dimmed following a disappointing exit by Tobi Amusan.
Amusan, the world record holder in the women’s 100m hurdles, failed to qualify for the final, marking the first time in eight years that she did not advance to the final of her event at the Olympics. With a semifinal time of 12.55 seconds, Amusan finished ninth overall, falling short of the top eight who competed for medals.
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Her early exit has dashed the hopes of millions of Nigerians who had looked to her to secure a gold medal. Amusan set a world record of 12.12 seconds at the 2022 World Championships but could not replicate that performance on the Olympic stage.
With Amusan out of contention, Nigeria’s remaining hopes rest on wrestler Joy Eze and cyclist Ese Ukpeseraye. Eze will compete in wrestling, while Ukpeseraye is making her Olympic debut in cycling. Both athletes face challenging odds as the games conclude on Sunday, August 11th.
If Nigeria does not secure a medal, Paris 2024 will mark the eighth time the country has failed to win an Olympic medal.