The time is Amusan’s fastest since setting the world record of 12.12 seconds in 2022, and now stands as the second-fastest mark of her career.
The Nigerian sprint hurdler closed hard in the final metres of the race, nearly catching American Grace Stark, who had powered out of the blocks with a blistering start. Stark crossed the line first in a personal best and meeting record of 12.21 seconds, a time that ranks her as the fifth-fastest woman in history over the event. Jamaica’s Ackera Nugent was a close third, also clocking an impressive 12.30 seconds.
A Comeback in Full Swing
Amusan’s runner-up finish in Paris caps a compelling return to top form following a slower start to her 2025 campaign. She opened her Diamond League season with back-to-back fourth-place finishes in Xiamen (12.74s) and Shaoxing (12.66s), before rebounding with a dominant 12.45-second win in Rabat that set a meet record.
Paris marked her fourth Diamond League appearance of the year, and perhaps her most complete race yet, as she stood toe-to-toe with a world-class lineup that included Keni Harrison (USA), Ackera Nugent (JAM), Devynne Charlton (BAH), Pia Skrzyszowska (POL), Nadine Visser (NED), and Diamond League leader Grace Stark.
Building Momentum for Championship Season
Amusan’s steady rise in form comes at a crucial time with major championships looming on the calendar. Her Paris performance, beyond securing critical Diamond League points, signals a return to the elite levels that saw her crowned world champion in 2022.
She now sits fourth in the overall Diamond League standings with 10 points, trailing Stark (23), Danielle Williams (15), and South Africa’s Marione Fourie (12). With a few more meets to go before the Zurich finals, Amusan remains firmly in the hunt for a top spot.
Eyes on Gold
With each meet, the 27-year-old is reminding the athletics world of her pedigree and potential to produce jaw-dropping performances. As the World Championships draw nearer, Amusan’s blend of experience, speed, and tactical maturity suggests that she is not only back—but ready to challenge for global dominance once again.
The chase for gold, and perhaps another record-breaking run, is very much alive.