By John Essien
World 100m record holder, Tobi Amusan says she was neglected by the Nigerian Government in her trying times, especially when she sustained an injury.
The athlete, who broke a world record at the World Athletics Championship Women’s 100m Hurdles in Oregon on Sunday has been receiving applause from Nigerians and the Nigerian Government since her victory.
Amusan shattered two World Records in one night, as she emerged winner of the final with a blistering run of 12.06s – initially announced as a world record, but was later ruled ineligible as the wind speed appeared to have exceeded the legal limit.
However, that did not prevent her from finishing at the podium as the 25-year-old Diamond League trophy winner made history by becoming the first Nigerian to win a gold medal at the World Athletics Championships.
While her feat has put smiles on the faces of Nigerians, Amusan like many young talents groomed in the country had her morale dampened while en route to engrave her name into the track and field record books.
A twitter user, Ayanfe Beloved Adeyemi, who featured an interview with the Gold Medalist, narrated the athlete’s ugly experience while in Nigeria.
According to him, the Nigerian Government had ‘tried to kill the athlete’s morale during her amateur stage, but her recent feat has suddenly gained their attention.
He wrote as he shared the video: “Everyone suddenly cares of her (Tobi Amusan) success but I’m more interested in her story. They tried to kill her morale but now they (Nigeria Government) are associating with her, including Eleyi the audio adopter. Indeed they turn it own elsewhere.”
Amusan also in the 2 minutes 20 seconds video said: “When I was injured, they didn’t care about me. That is how my career ended. They only use you when you are good, they will dump you. If it’s kudos, I don’t even want to hear it.”
