Tobi Amusan reaffirmed her status as one of the world’s elite hurdlers today as she cruised into the Women’s 100m hurdles final at the Tokyo 2025 World Athletics Championships, after powering to victory in her semifinal heat in 12.36 seconds (wind ‑0.2). (Daily Post Nigeria).

Dominance with Control

From the gun, Amusan looked sharp — technically clean and mentally composed.

She grabbed clear separation early, driving over the hurdles with her characteristic rhythm that has made her world‑record holder and defending champion.

Despite a slight headwind (‑0.2), her time of 12.36 was not just good enough to advance, but it was the fastest among all semifinalists, sending a strong signal ahead of the final. (Daily Post Nigeria).

Behind her, Nadine Visser of the Netherlands clocked 12.45, and Poland’s Pia Skrzyszowska followed with 12.51, both earning their places in the final alongside Amusan. (The Nation Newspaper)

What It Means

Amusan’s performance in this semifinal achieves several layers of significance:

1. Setting the benchmark. By posting the fastest semifinal time, she elevates expectations among her rivals. It puts pressure on the field in the final: she’s shown both form and confidence.

2. Momentum headed into the final.

Semifinals are as much about conserving energy and staying clean over hurdles as they are about time.

1. Amusan managed both: she delivered a winning run without visible strain, and without making technical mistakes. That puts her in a good psychology and physical position for the final.

1. Living up to her pedigree. She remains the world record holder in the event (12.12s set back in Eugene 2022) and has carried that reputation through the heats and now semis.

2. Her ability to perform under championship heat is well documented. (Wikipedia)

3. Hope for Nigeria. The semifinal victory adds to Amusan’s record of delivering on the big stage and bolsters national pride, as Nigeria looks to her for medal potential. (Vanguard News)

The Final: What Might Come

With the final looming (later on the same day), several key factors will come into play:

• Fast start. Hurdles races are often won or lost in the first few strides and overs; Amusan’s reaction time and quick acceleration will be critical.

• Hurdle rhythm and clean clearance.

Any minor clipping or hesitation can cost precious hundredths; maintaining technical form over each hurdle will matter enormously under pressure.

• Competition performance. Rivals who made the final are dangerous: their times today show they are in form. Amusan cannot assume anything. Adversaries like Visser, Skrzyszowska, and others will be looking to improve, while some may be peaking.

• Mental toughness. The final is a different psychological beast.

Pressure, noise, expectations — especially being defending champion / world record holder — all can affect even the most seasoned athletes.

Final Thoughts

Tobi Amusan’s semifinal through in 12.36s (‑0.2 wind) is a statement: she is determined, in form, and aiming for the top again.

While nothing is guaranteed, she has done everything possible so far to make her mark in Tokyo.

For Nigerian athletics, she continues to shine on the global stage; for the rest of the field, she’s the hurdle to beat.

I’ll be watching the final closely — if you like, I can break down her chances vs. her main rivals, or map out what might go wrong / right for her.