By Daily Sports Nigeria on December 21, 2022

All-Africa Games gold medallist, Deji Aliu, has praised Nigeria’s World 100m hurdles champion and record holder Tobi Amusan for making the top five best women athletes for 2022, The PUNCH reports.

The World Athletic ranked Amusan the fifth-best female athlete in 2022, following her brilliant run of form.

The 25-year-old hurdler had a fantastic year and became the first Nigerian world champion in an athletic event when she won the 2022 World Championships 100 m hurdles gold medal, setting the current world record of 12.12 seconds in the semifinal, followed up by a 12.06 s in the final.

She also won gold again at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, before retaining her Diamond League Trophy in Zurich in a new meet record of 12.29s. The previous record, which stood for 22 years, was held by an American legend, Gail Devers.

Aliu said the ranking did not come as a surprise to Nigerians following her exploits in the year but noted that it would help prepare her better for next year’s competitions.

“Being ranked the fifth best female athlete will mean a lot to her, it is what Nigerians were expecting, an athlete that made the final shortlist for the Women’s World Athlete of The Year Award and when it comes to among the top-ranked athlete, that is expected of her, “ Aliu told The PUNCH.

“This is good motivation and will make her have higher expectations for 2023, a good morale booster for Amusan going into next year’s competitions.”

Aliu further added that younger Nigerian athletes will aim to do better, a good omen for Nigeria’s athletics.

“Ordinarily, Amusan’s world ranking should mean a lot to us, this year has been a very fantastic and productive year for athletics in Nigeria.”

Jamaica’s sprints legend, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, tops the list, followed by her compatriot, Sharicka Jackson. Venezuela’s Triple Jump queen, Yulimar Rojas, occupies the third position, and USA’s Sydney McLaughlin in fourth.

Netherland’s 400m Hurdler Femke Bol is sixth, Ethiopia’s runner Gudaf Tsegay is seventh, Ukraine’shHigh jumper Yaroslava Mahuchikh is eighth, Kenya’s Faith Kipyegon is ninth, and American shot put thrower Chase Ealey is ranked tenth.

The World Athletics recently ratified Amusan’s women’s world 100m hurdles record set at the 2022 World Championships in Oregon, the United States.

Amusan also made the shortlist of five finalists for the Women’s World Athlete of The Year Award.

Source Punch Ng

Posted December 21, 2022

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