World record holder Tobi Amusan has pulled out of the 2025 Diamond League final in Zurich, handing her slot to Bahamian star Devynne Charlton.
The Nigerian champion’s absence leaves many fans disappointed, as she is one of Africa’s brightest hopes in athletics.
The Zurich final, which began Wednesday and ends today, August 28, gathers the world’s best athletes, all chasing the $50,000 prize in each event.
Amusan, ranked second this season with 27 points, had already secured her qualification for the finale.
She also holds the Zurich meet record of 12.29s, set in 2022, when she claimed her second Diamond League crown.
The 28-year-old remains one of the most decorated hurdlers of her generation, winning back-to-back titles in 2021, 2022, and 2023.
Her withdrawal follows a disappointing outing at the Lausanne Diamond League last week. She stumbled on the opening hurdle and placed fifth with 12.82s.
The decision to skip Zurich is believed to be part of her recovery plan ahead of next month’s World Championships in Tokyo.
“Sometimes you step back to step forward stronger,” an NSC official noted while confirming her absence.
Nigerians Still in Contention
Amusan’s absence does not mean Nigeria has no representation.
Ezekiel Nathaniel, African 400m hurdles record holder, will compete in the men’s 400m hurdles final. He recently bagged his first professional win in Lausanne with a time of 48.08s.
Udodi Onwuzurike
Rising sprinter Udodi Onwuzurike will also feature in the men’s 200m final. The youngster only made his Diamond League debut last week but has already drawn attention with his fearless performance.
However, Nigerian-born sprinter Favour Ofili, who has switched allegiance to Turkey, has been disqualified from the women’s 200m despite meeting the qualification standard.
Who Will Take The Crown?
The women’s hurdles lineup in Zurich is still packed with stars. Devynne Charlton joins world champion Danielle Williams, Ackera Nugent, Nadine Visser, Ditaji Kambundji, Selina von Jackowski, and Americans Tonea Marshall, Grace Stark, and Kendra Harrison.
Without Amusan, attention now shifts to whether the field can produce a new record.
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