Merber Defends Amusan, Says Critics Owe Nigerian Star an Apology Over World Record Doubts

Former American middle-distance runner Kyle Merber has said critics who questioned Tobi Amusan after her historic women’s 100m hurdles world record in 2022 should apologise, as the event continues to produce faster times globally.

Amusan stunned the athletics world at the 2022 World Championships in Eugene when she clocked 12.12 seconds in the semi-finals, breaking the previous world record of 12.20s set by American hurdler Kendra Harrison in 2016. The Nigerian later ran an even faster 12.06s in the final, but the time was ruled ineligible because of excessive wind assistance.

Her record-breaking performance, however, sparked widespread debate at the time, with several athletics figures, including former American sprint legend Michael Johnson, questioning the legitimacy of the mark. Speculations ranged from advanced spike technology and favourable track conditions to doping allegations.

But perceptions appear to be changing after American hurdler Masai Russell posted a blistering 12.14s at the Xiamen Diamond League last Saturday, fueling suggestions that Amusan’s record could soon fall.

Speaking on the CITIUS MAG Podcast, Merber said the criticism directed at Amusan now looks unfair.

According to him, many people outside Nigeria rushed to question the record when it was first set, but recent performances in the women’s hurdles event have shown the time is achievable.

Merber also noted that Amusan faced accusations and conspiracy theories simply because she shattered a long-standing record that few athletes had come close to matching.

A year after her world record run, Amusan was provisionally suspended by the Athletics Integrity Unit ahead of the 2023 World Championships in Budapest over missed whereabouts filings. She was later cleared to compete just days before the competition.

The Nigerian hurdler was unable to retain her world title in Budapest, while her fastest time since then remains the 12.24s she recorded at the Meeting de Paris in June 2025.

Despite the setbacks, Amusan has enjoyed a strong 2026 campaign, posting a season’s best of 12.28s and securing a third African title to reinforce her place among the world’s elite hurdlers.