Tobi Amusan sent a warning shot to the world on Sunday. Just days after losing her world record, the Nigerian hurdle queen stormed to victory at the Grand Prix Brescia in Italy, clocking 12.56 seconds to claim the title in a punishing 1.7m/s headwind.
With the 2026 Diamond League Final looming in Brussels, Amusan reminded everyone why she has ruled the 100m hurdles for years. The race sets up a blockbuster rematch with new world record holder Masai Russell.
Brescia Victory, Headwind And All
The track in Brescia was tough. Wind was against the runners. It did not matter to Amusan.
She exploded out of the blocks and powered home in 12.56 seconds to take the win for Nigeria. American Alaysha Johnson chased hard but settled for second in 12.62 seconds. Jamaica’s Ackera Nugent grabbed third in 12.75 seconds.
It was the perfect tune-up. Amusan looked sharp, composed, and hungry. After a season of ups and downs, this win gives her momentum heading into the biggest meet of the year.
World Record Gone, Crown Still In Sight
The context made this win louder. Last Thursday in Zurich, Olympic champion Masai Russell shattered Amusan’s four-year-old world record. Russell ran a blistering 12.09 seconds, erasing the 12.12 seconds Amusan set in the 2022 World Championships semi-final in Eugene.
Amusan herself finished second that night in Zurich with a season’s best of 12.23 seconds. For four years she owned the mark. Now she has to chase it.
“I’m not done,” her Brescia run seemed to say.
Brussels Awaits: The Rematch
All roads now lead to Brussels, Belgium, on September 4 to 5 for the Diamond League Final.
Amusan is no stranger to that stage. She is a three-time Diamond League champion, winning in 2021, 2022 and 2023. Russell arrives as the new record holder and Olympic champion.
Two hurdlers. One title. One track.
After Brescia, the stage is set for fireworks. Can Amusan reclaim her crown and answer Russell’s record with gold? The world will be watching.
