Amusan Drops to Third in World Rankings as Russell Closes In on Historic Record

Nigeria’s sprint hurdling star and women’s 100m hurdles world record holder, Tobi Amusan, has slipped to third place in the latest World Athletics rankings despite posting impressive performances on the Diamond League circuit in China.

Amusan improved her ranking points from 1,379 to 1,385 following strong outings at the Xiamen and Shanghai Diamond League meetings, where she continued her fine start to the season.

The Nigerian clocked a season’s best 12.28 seconds in Xiamen to finish second behind American rival Masai Russell before returning with another solid performance of 12.41 seconds in Shanghai.

However, Russell’s dominant displays at both events proved decisive in the race for the top ranking. The reigning Olympic champion secured victories in Xiamen and Shanghai, posting times of 12.14 seconds and 12.25 seconds respectively.

Her remarkable 12.14-second run in Xiamen established a new United States record and came within just two hundredths of a second of Amusan’s world record of 12.12 seconds.

The performances propelled Russell to the top of the global rankings with 1,391 points, while fellow American Grace Stark moved into second place with 1,386 points. Amusan now occupies third position with 1,385 points.

Russell’s rapid rise has intensified competition in the women’s sprint hurdles event, with the American emerging as one of the strongest challengers to Amusan’s dominance this season.

Speaking after her record-breaking run in Xiamen, Russell expressed confidence that the world record could soon fall.

“I’m ecstatic, and all the hard work is truly showing,” she said.

“I’ve been saying all year that I’m going to break the world record. I don’t know when it’s going to come, but I keep getting closer and closer.”

The Olympic champion also attributed her recent success to improved consistency and growing confidence.

“I’m so focused. I’m so consistent this year. I feel like I’m just growing and learning every single time,” she added.

Amusan remains one of the most accomplished athletes in the event and still holds the world record of 12.12 seconds, set at the 2022 World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon, where she became the first Nigerian athlete to win a world title.

With the season gathering momentum, the battle between Amusan, Russell and Stark is shaping up to be one of the most exciting rivalries in global athletics ahead of the major championships later in the year.