Record: Amike commends Amusan for breaking 25-year-old African record

Retired Nigerian hurdler, Henry Amike, on Tuesday commended Tobi Amusan for breaking the 25-year-old African record set by another Nigerian, Gloria Alozie, in the 60 meters hurdles.

Amusan finished in 7.77 seconds at the Astana Indoor Meet in Kazakhstan to erase Alozie’s record of 7.82 seconds.

Amike, a former President of the Association of Nigerian Olympians, told our correspondent in Lagos that the former world champion’s doggedness paid off with the win.

Our correspondent reports that Amusan returned to the track for the first time in 2024 with another blistering performance to set a new African record in the 60m hurdles at the Kazakhstan meet.

”I congratulate Tobi for this win, I applaud her again for proving that she’s world class.

Winning is great but breaking a record is a huge feat and I commend her for that.

”The beauty of this is the fact that the record was set by a Nigerian which makes it even more inspiring for other up and coming athletes.

I believe with this superlative performance it can only get better.

”Congratulations to Nigeria. This is a great way to start the year,” he said.

Amike, the silver medalist at the 1989 Barcelona World Cup, told NAN that Amusan’s ability to put behind the unfortunate incidents at the 2023 World Athletics Championships was commendable.

”Rising above that to win and break a record is a great feat for her, most athletes don’t recover from that easily.

She’s a gem.

”If I were Alozie, I’d put a call across to congratulate her as that record stood for 25 years. Amusan’s winning streak is iconic,” Amike said.