World Hurdles champion, Tobi Amusan has qualified for the final of the 100m hurdles event at the ongoing World Championships in Budapest, Hungary after winning the second semi-final with a time of 12.56 seconds despite having a slow start.
Amusan, however, found her breath after the women’s 100-metre hurdle heats, to tackle an Irish journalist who queried her about charges over missing doping tests.
Ackera Nugent enjoyed an early lead before Amusan, running in lane seven, snatched victory at the finishing line.
The reigning NCAA Champion who clocked 12.60 seconds eventually settled for the 2nd position which was also enough for an automatic qualification for the final.
Amusan, world record holder in the event, is seeking to defend the title she won last year in Oregon.
Former world record holder, Kendra Harrison won the first semifinal race in 12.33s as Jasmine Camacho-Quinn took Heat 3 in 12.41s, ahead of Nia Ali in 12.49s.
Many are hopeful Amusan is saving the best for the last as it appears her rivals have all posted faster times in Budapest than she had done in her two races so far.
After the race, Amusan spoke to the media at the mixed zone.
Subsequently, after she praised her fans for the love and support she received, Irish journalist, Cathal Dennehy, asked her: “Tobi, just on the point to the fans, I guess some of them are wondering what led to the charge. Would you be able to clarify the reasons behind that?”
“I’m talking about my fans, and you’re talking about charges. What charges?” She quizzed. “Mr. Cathal, I am not going to answer your question. You’ve asked the same question five times now and I am not answering it. Ridiculous!”
“You run fast, they want to talk about my shoes; you don’t run fast, they want to talk about what’s going on. Come on, cut me that slack”, she said appearing peeved with the query.
Credible News reports that Amusan was cleared before the competition after facing a provisional suspension for missing three drug tests.