The Crying Champion Of The World

Arise, O compatriots, Nigeria’s call obey. To serve our fatherland. With love and strength and faith…These are the first few lines of the Nigerian National Anthem that turned a world champion into a crying champion. As a Nigerian, I was immersed in my own emotions and thoughts; I told myself what a cry of joy, sacrifice or patriotism

Tobi Amusan is a Nigerian Track and Field athlete who specializes in the 100 meters hurdles. Tobi had just shattered the world record during the semi finals with a 12:12 seconds win. About 24 hours later, Tobi broke her own record and won the 100 meters hurdles gold medal in the 2022 World Athletics Championships in the USA (12.06). She is the first Nigerian to have ever won the title.

Shortly after the World Athletics Championships, Tobi won the 100m hurdles gold medal at the African Common Wealth Championship. In addition, she and her team also won the gold 4 x 100m medal. These are laudable and captivating achievements, and you may be thinking she is lucky, well, she is not. Tobi has worked tirelessly and failed for years but she was persistent and consistent.

Remember, what they say about consistency? You are so right, consistency births success. In fact, Tobi Amusan was a silver medalist at the 2013 African Youth Championship in Warri, Nigeria and subsequently she has won several medals in African Championships. Tobi was always a worthy competitor in the World Championships and in 2019 she came 4th. Her coach who has trained her and Nigeria who gave her the opportunity must be proud ever after. As a champion, Tobi has waited patiently for her time, so stand up for the Champion.