World record holder Tobi Amusan has been named as one of the five finalists for 2022 Women’s Athletics of the Year.
The winner which will be announced in early December will go home with a multi-million naira award among other benefits.
The list which was released yesterday has other notable athletes which include Shelly-Ann Fraser- Pryce (Jamaica ), Kimberly Garcia (Peru), Sydney McLaughlin (United States of America), and Yulimar Rojas (Venezuela).
Investors King could recall that in September 2022, Tobi Amusan set a new world record of 12.12s in the 100m hurdles at the World Athletics Championships, in Oregon, United States.
Tobi Amusan will be the first Nigerian and African to be nominated in the top five finalist list. If she emerged victorious, the 25-year-old will subsequently be the first Nigeria and African to be so honoured in the world of women’s athletics
Meanwhile, according to the organiser, the World Athletics, the finalists were determined through a three-way voting process involving fans on social media, World Athletics Council, and the World Athletics Family.
A statement posted on the Twitter page of the World Athletic read: “The five athletes, who represent five countries from three area associations, have achieved sensational performances across a range of athletics disciplines in 2022”.
Tobi Amusan has displayed outstanding performances at different occasions which include the Commonwealth Games, the Diamond League, and the World Athletics Championships in 2022.
Investors King learnt that several sport enthusiasts and observers believe she is a favourite for the 2022 women’s world athlete of the year.
She has been honoured and celebrated across the country including a national honour of the Order Of Niger (OON).
Born and raised in Ogun State, Tobi Amusan became the first Nigerian athlete to win a Diamond League title as she took the 100 m hurdles trophy in 2021, breaking the then-African record held by Glory Alozie.
She later defended the title in 2022 before setting a world record of 12.12s in the 100m hurdles at the World Athletics Championships.