World record holder in the women’s 100m hurdles, Tobi Amusan, has surprisingly withdrawn from the 2025 Diamond League final in Zurich.
Amusan, who entered the season as one of the favorites, qualified for the final with 27 points, ranking second overall.
However, her withdrawal came as a shock to fans and athletes, especially since she currently holds the meet record of 12.29s, set in September 2022.
She has been replaced by Bahamian sprinter Devynne Charlton, who joins a highly competitive field that includes reigning world champion Danielle Williams, fellow Jamaican Ackera Nugent, and Dutch star Nadine Visser.
Switzerland’s Ditaji Kambundji and Selina von Jackowski are also listed, alongside the American trio of Tonea Marshall, Grace Stark, and Kendra Harrison.
Although Amusan has not given an official reason, the decision might be linked to her form.
At the Lausanne Diamond League, she stumbled at the first hurdle and finished fifth in 12.82s.
The Nigerian hurdler, 28, has enjoyed an incredible run in recent years, winning three consecutive Diamond League titles in 2021, 2022, and 2023.
Her dominance, however, now faces a pause as she reconsiders her fitness and recovery ahead of global competition.
Meanwhile, Nigerian athletics will still be represented in Zurich.
African record holder in the men’s 400m hurdles, Ezekiel Nathaniel, is listed for the men’s final.
Nathaniel recently claimed his first professional career win in Lausanne with a time of 48.08s.
In addition, Nigeria’s Udodi Onwuzurike will feature in the men’s 200m final after making his Diamond League debut last week.
His participation highlights the growing presence of young Nigerian athletes on the international stage.
Despite Amusan’s absence, fans remain hopeful she will bounce back stronger. Her withdrawal may be a strategic move to preserve energy for Tokyo.
