Kehinde Amusan, the father of world champion and record holder, Tobi Amusan has implored Nigerians to ignore comments made by American track Legend Micheal Johnson following his daughter’s heroics at the World Athletics Championships in Oregon Monday.
Recall that Amusan romped to victory in 12.12secs in the semi-final of the women’s 100m hurdles to smash Kendra Harrison’s 2016 world record by 0.08secs, before cruising to Nigeria’s first ever World Championships gold in an amazing wind-assisted 12.06secs in the final.
But Johnson took exception to the times recorded in the stadium, in which 12 athletes – including Amusan – out of 24 semi-finalists recorded their best times ever.
The 54-year-old, who won four Olympic gold and eight World Championships gold in a stellar track career, took to Twitter after seeing how many athletes “looked shocked” at their own times.
“I don’t believe 100h times are correct. World record broken by .08! 12 PBs (personal bests) set. 5 National records set. And Cindy Sember quote after her PB/NR (national record) ‘I thought I was running slow!’ All athletes looked shocked (sic),” he wrote.
“Heat 2 we were first shown winning time of 12.53. Few seconds later it shows 12.43. Rounding down by .01 is normal. .10 is not.”
But he was immediately hit with a backlash from Nigerians on Twitter.
Amusan’s father via a chat with The PUNCH said the American’s comments should be ignored.
“You know the western world and how they behave, you should know what they are,” Kehinde added.
“I feel unconcerned about what he said after the race because God has done what He needs to do. I don’t mind whatever anybody says about the timing, I feel that is how the western world is but they are not God.
“So, he is entitled to his opinion. I won’t take it as an offence because I just believe that’s what these blacks do.”
Also, Amusan’s youth coach, Ayodele Solaja, who coached the 25-year-old while she was a student at the Our Lady of Apostles, Ijebu Ode, said Johnson and other Americans were envious of Amosun, following her feat.
“Everyone in the US, including Michael Johnson, are just wallowing in envy because of the achievement of Tobi,” Solaja told The PUNCH.
“Tobi has done what no Nigerian could do in the World Championship.”
Another athletics coach in Ijebu-Ode, Dayo Johnson, added, “It’s just hatred. This is not the first time he (Johnson)
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