Kambundji Surprised To Beat Amusan, Others To Winning 100m Hurdles Gold at World Championships

Kambundji Surprised To Beat Amusan, Others To Winning 100m Hurdles Gold at World Championships

By BSN Sports 

Swiss hurdler Ditaji Kambundji delivered the surprise of the World Athletics Championships on Monday, winning gold in the women’s 100m hurdles with a stunning national record of 12.24 seconds — her first major international title, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The 23-year-old edged out world record holder Tobi Amusan of Nigeria, who clocked 12.29s to take silver, while American Grace Stark secured the bronze in 12.34s. Notably absent from the podium were Olympic and world champions Masai Russell and Danielle Williams, who failed to crack the top three in a fiercely contested final.

Kambundji, who had not been widely considered a title contender in the lead-up to the championships, admitted to being surprised by her performance.

 “It’s crazy. I knew I had it in me,” she said moments after the race. “You could see on my face how happy I was when I realised I won. I thought I was capable of doing it, but I was surprised because I knew every one of the competitors had the potential to win.”

The win marks a dramatic turnaround for the Swiss athlete, who was eliminated in the semi-finals at the Tokyo Olympics just a year ago and placed seventh at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest.

 “This is something I’ve been working towards for a long time, and to run it the way I envisioned is really special. Getting a personal best is great, but all that mattered today was the title. It’s amazing to be a world champion.”

Her victory in Tokyo carries additional emotional weight, as it comes on the same track where her older sister, Mujinga Kambundji — a multiple Olympic finalist — once competed. Mujinga, currently expecting her first child, has been a source of strength and inspiration.

 “We definitely have a good relationship with this track,” Ditaji said. “I’m sure my sister is excited for me. I thought about her a lot over these past few days. Our bond is really special. I know she’ll be thrilled — I’m bringing home something truly incredible.”