The World Athletics Record holder in 100m hurdles, Tobi Amusan, has declared that some Nigerian sports journalists are horrible in their profession, just as she revealed that she has put behind her the trauma of her suspension by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), over the Whereabouts Failures charge.
Amusan began training for the title defence on Monday morning at the National Athletics Centre in Budapest, Hungary.
She had already left their Park Inn hotel Radisson for training, when Nigeria’s Ambassador to Hungary, Dr. Modupe Enitan Erele visited the athletes in camp.
The President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Chief Tonobok Okowa also came to camp to give the athletes words of encouragement ahead of coming events.
While the Ambassador and her entourage left the hotel soon after addressing the athletes and their coaches, Okowa stayed behind to pump up the athletes’ spirit.
Tobi Amusan returned from training, and was given a warm welcome by Okowa.
The 26-year-old Amusan appreciated the AFN and other Nigerians who stood by her in the trying period. But she frowned at the attitude of some Nigerian sports journalists who are always waiting to celebrate the downfall of athletes.
“Sorry to say this, some Nigerian sports journalists are horrible. I won’t say more than that for now,” Amusan stated.
Amusan was cleared by a panel set up by World Athletics to review the AIU suspension.
However, AFN President, Okowa has appealed to Amusan to focus her attention on the 100m hurdles event, which will begin this Tuesday in Budapest.
“I want you to forget whatever any journalist said or write about you during the period of the suspension. God has fought for you, and I want you to look forward. In life, there are people who will pretend to be good to you, but they will be the first to laugh at you when things turn around. Some journalists may have turned against you during the period, but I also know that a majority of
Nigerian journalists stood by you. I am happy God has put those people who are waiting to celebrate your downfall to shame. Now, I want you to be there and do your best for the Nigerians who stood by you.” Okowa stated.
Amusan has been drawn to run from lane four, just outside Olympics bronze medal winner, Megan Tapper of Jamaica, in the fifth and final heat of the first round. The reigning Nigeria, African,
The Commonwealth and Diamond League champions will be seeking to be one of the four automatic qualifiers for the semifinals. Anusan will be looking to successfully defend her title to complete a successful defence of all five titles she has won at national, continental and world levels.
