Tobi Amusan, the reigning world champion and world record holder in the 100m hurdles, suffered a stunning exit from the Paris 2024 Olympics, ending Nigeria’s hopes for a medal in the event. The 27-year-old hurdling sensation, widely regarded as one of Nigeria's top medal prospects, failed to advance to the final after finishing third in her semi-final heat with a time of 12.55 seconds. This disappointing result placed her ninth overall, abruptly ending her Olympic campaign.

Amusan, who set the world record of 12.12 seconds at the World Championships last year, was unable to replicate her record-breaking performance on the sport's grandest stage. The unexpected defeat is a significant setback for both Amusan and Team Nigeria, who had placed immense hope in her securing a long-awaited Olympic gold.

The loss not only dashed Nigeria’s dreams but also raised questions about Amusan's preparation and whether the intense pressure of being a favorite affected her performance. The heartbreak was palpable as fans and analysts alike were left to ponder what went wrong for the hurdling icon.

In contrast, the women's 100m hurdles semi-finals delivered high drama, with American Kendra Johnson winning her heat in 12.34 seconds, the fastest time of the round. Defending Olympic champion Jasmine Camacho-Quinn of Puerto Rico followed closely with 12.35 seconds, securing her place in the final by a mere 0.01 seconds.

While the final on Saturday promises to be an exciting showdown, the absence of Amusan will be keenly felt. Her early exit leaves a void in the competition and serves as a painful reminder of the unpredictable nature of the Olympic Games.