NIGERIAN sports minister John Enoh has commended athletics stars Tobi Amusan and Ese Brume after their impressive performances last night at the Diamond League Finals in Oregon, United States of America.
While world record holder Amusan recovered from her sixth place finish in the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary to win a third straight women’s 100m hurdles Diamond League trophy, Brume only lost the long jump title on count back after tying with winner Ivana Vuelta.
Amusan ran her season’s best of 12.33 seconds to beat a strong field that included world champion Danielle Williams, and Brume’s jump of 6.85m was only matched by Vuelta in the Serbian’s final attempt.
“I proudly congratulate the duo of Tobi Amusan and Ese Brume, both winning at the Diamond League held in Eugene, Oregon, United States of America,” Enoh said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, today.
“Oluwatobiloba Amusan for winning the 100m Women’s hurdles in a time of 12.33s to reclaim her Diamond League title while Nigerian long jumper, Ese Brume, for her silver medal achievement in the long jump event at the Diamond League. The duo of Tobi and Brume represent strength, mental toughness and the Nigerian spirit.”
Amusan’s season was disrupted weeks before last month’s World Athletics Championships when she was suspended for allegedly missing three out-of-competition drug tests.
She missed several tune-up meets ahead of her defence of the world title she sensationally won in Oregon last year before she was cleared by the Athletics Integrity Unit to participate in Budapest.
Enoh commended the 26-year-old star’s resilience and praised Brume, who has regularly finished among the medals in major competitions, for her consistency.
“The victory was a beautiful way for Amusan to wind down an athletic season that brought joy, tears and goosebumps. Her determination and mental strength are worth emulating. Ese Brume on the other side, has continued to make us proud time and again,” the minister added.
“From the Olympics to the Commonwealth Games, to the Diamond Leagues, Ese has consistently ranked among the top athletes in her sports, globally.
“I join millions of Nigerians globally to felicitate with both Tobi Amusan and Ese Brume on their deserved wins at the Diamond League.
“Both victories are those that will restore their confidence after the difficult ordeal both passed through this year. Even though Tobi lost the World Championship title, she won our hearts in Budapest.
“I am glad that she was able to overcome all of the challenges to defend her crown for the third consecutive time. Brume came close to winning her first Diamond League title after leaping 6.85m, just as Ivana Vuelta, who won gold.
“I am mostly proud of her for finishing strong, despite missing out on first place by very small margins.”
Last night’s action rounded off the athletics season in terms of the big competitions as the athletes look forward to next year’s Olympic Games in Paris, France.
Enoh promised the government will support the athletes in the quest for Olympic glory next year.
He added: “I urge Tobi, Brume and other Nigerian athletes to reflect on this season, applaud themselves for their hard work and look towards the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
“His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has the utmost commitment to sports and the President will stand by all Nigerian athletes, who are fighting hard to represent the country on the international stage. Once again, congratulations!”
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