Although Amusan finished fourth in the race, her time marked a significant improvement in what has been a careful reintroduction to flat sprinting. The Nigerian hurdler, best known for her world title and record-breaking feats in the 100m hurdles, ran from lane two and showed poise and power against a formidable field dominated by Jamaican sprinters. Her 11.18s result sliced a full tenth of a second off her previous season’s best of 11.28s, set at the Velocity Fest in March.
This was only Amusan’s second 100m race of the season—and her third in over a year—as she continues to broaden her sprinting range, a strategic move tied to her training switch last November. Since relocating to Jamaica to work with renowned coach Glen Mills at Racers Track Club, Amusan has gradually improved her sprint times, a development that not only benefits her performances in the flat sprints but is expected to enhance her hurdling form as well.
The women’s 100m was won by Tina Clayton of Jamaica, who set the tone with an impressive 10.98s run from lane three. Her twin sister, Tia Clayton, placed fifth in 11.24s. Jacious Sears of the United States was second in 11.04s, meeting the World Championship qualification mark for Tokyo 2025 alongside Clayton. Rising Jamaican prospect Alana Reid edged Amusan to third place with 11.16s, completing a quartet of season-best performances in a race that lived up to its billing.
Amusan’s trajectory this season suggests that her sprint work is paying off. Since her 2024 sprint debut at the Velocity Fest, where she opened with 11.41s in the heats, each subsequent outing has shown clear progress. Her 11.26s effort at the Tom Jones Memorial in April was a prelude to Saturday’s breakthrough.
Elsewhere at the Racers Grand Prix, the men’s 100m delivered a stunning win for Olympic silver medalist Kishane Thompson, who crossed the line in 9.88s. Oblique Seville followed closely with a season-best 9.97s, while South Africans Gift Leotlela and Bayanda Walaza rounded out the top four.
In the hurdles, Rasheed Broadbell edged past US star Trey Cunningham in the men’s 110m with a 13.06s finish, his third win in five matchups against the American. On the women’s side, Alia Armstrong of the U.S. equaled the meet record in the 100m hurdles with a time of 12.54s, holding off world indoor champion Devynne Charlton, who ran a season’s best of 12.65s.
The evening wrapped up with two strong performances in the 200m events. Reigning world champion Shericka Jackson cruised to a season-best 22.53s to win the women’s race, while Bryan Levell thrilled the home crowd with a 19.79s victory in the men’s event.
As the 2025 season progresses, Amusan’s blend of raw speed and technical hurdling prowess could position her as one of the year’s most versatile and exciting athletes to watch—on and off the barriers.