Switzerland’s Ditaji Kambundji produced the performance of her career to deny Nigeria’s Tobi Amusan a second consecutive world title, as she stormed to gold in the women’s 100 metres hurdles final at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.
Kambundji crossed the finish line in a blistering 12.24 seconds, setting a new Swiss national record and sealing a place in history. Amusan, who entered the final as one of the favourites and the reigning world record holder, finished narrowly behind with 12.29 seconds to claim the silver medal — Nigeria’s first podium finish of this year’s championships.
The race was a high-intensity thriller, with Amusan pushing hard in the final stages but unable to close the gap on the Swiss star, whose flawless technique and explosive finish carried her across the line. The bronze medal went to the United States’ Grace Stark, who clocked 12.34 seconds, while her compatriot Masai Russell followed in fourth place with 12.44.
Further down the field, Poland’s Pia Skrzyszowska and Devynne Charlton of the Bahamas both recorded season’s bests of 12.49 to share fifth position. Jamaica’s Danielle Williams, another big contender, finished seventh in 12.53, while the Netherlands’ Nadine Visser rounded out the lineup in eighth with 12.56.
For Amusan, the result brings a bittersweet mix of pride and reflection. Though denied a second consecutive gold, she remains firmly entrenched among the global elite of the hurdles discipline. Her silver medal ensures Nigeria’s presence on the podium in Tokyo and continues her remarkable streak of world-class performances since breaking the world record in 2022 with a time of 12.12.
Kambundji’s victory marks a defining moment in her career and in Swiss athletics. Known as one of the rising stars of the hurdles, the 23-year-old’s triumph not only ended Amusan’s reign but also established her as a major force to watch in future competitions.
For Nigeria, Amusan’s medal brings renewed hope that the national anthem could still be heard before the championships conclude, as other athletes prepare to compete in their respective events. The achievement also underscores the consistency and resilience of the Ogun-born hurdler, who continues to inspire young athletes across Africa and beyond.
As the dust settles on one of the most dramatic finals of the championships so far, all eyes will remain on Amusan’s response in the coming seasons, and on Kambundji’s ability to sustain her newfound dominance on the world stage.
