Tobi Amusan won the title of world champion in the hundred-meter hurdles run in July. However, the greatest interest and at the same time also controversy aroused… the footwear of the Nigerian-born athlete.
This year’s athletics world championships in the US city of Eugene were exceptional for Tobi Amusan. The Nigerian in the semifinals of the 100-meter hurdles run set a new world record with a time of 12.12 seconds, and in the final she achieved a time of just 12.06 seconds, winning the gold medal. The result from the final clash, however, cannot be considered a record, due to the unregulated wind.
After the outcome, a heated discussion broke out, which, however, was not about Amusan’s capital performance at the arch championship. It was about the unique footwear of the athlete, who competes in Adidas Adizero Avanti shoes, dedicated to long-distance runners (5-10 km). They differ from the classic ones primarily in the resilient foam, which is allowed for the moment. The new rules for footwear used in athletics are not to be introduced until July 1, 2024.
Tobi Amusan herself addressed the controversy. The Nigerian athlete assured without hesitation that the gold medal at the world championships was due to her skill, not unusual shoes.
main photo: unsplash.com/Chau Cédric
