Michael Johnson: ‘I Don’t Believe These Times’ — Track legend Discredits Amusan’s Record, Roasted By Nigerians

Nigeria’s Tobi Amusan set a new world record in the women’s 100m hurdles at the World Athletics championships in Eugene on Monday, July 25, — but it sparked plenty of debate, in the aftermath of comments from athletic legend, Michael Johnson.

In the first track event of the final session of the 10th day of competition, Amusan streaked to a winning time of 12.12 seconds in the first of three semi-finals.

It smashed the previous best of 12.20sec set by American Kendra Harrison in 2016. Harrison was also in the first semi-final, finishing second in 12.27sec.

Read Also: Nigeria’s Amusan Wins 100 Metres Hurdles Gold At World Athletics Championships

The previous championship record was 12.28sec set by Australian Sally Pearson in Daegu in 2011.

Amusan had set an African record of 12.40sec on Sunday to win her heat, the fastest first-round time in world championships history.

Amusan said;

I wanted to get out and go.

I did what I had to do. Now I’m looking forward to the finals.

Michael Johnson’s Disputal

However, there was some debate around the accuracy of the stopwatch in Oregon after a series of sizzling times — including personal bests and national records — were set.

Legendary American sprinter Michael Johnson, who won four Olympic gold medals during his decorated career, cast doubt on the legitimacy of the times being recorded in the 100m hurdles, suggesting something was amiss.

Johnson tweeted;

I don’t believe 100h times are correct. World record broken by .08!

Twelve PBs set. Five national records set. And Cindy Sember quote after her PB/NR: ‘I thought I was running slow!’ All athletes looked shocked.

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.

I don’t believe 100h times are correct. World record broken by .08! 12 PBs set. 5 National records set. And Cindy Sember quote after her PB/NR “I throughly I was running slow!” All athletes looked shocked.

— Michael Johnson (@MJGold) July 25, 2022

Speaking on the BBC, Johnson added;

I don’t believe these times, let’s look at the racing.

Five of the eight runners in Amusan’s semi-final ran their fastest ever times, sparking incredulity within the athletics world.

Athletics writer Jonathan Gault was blown away.

This is results of semi #1 of the 100 hurdles. Amusan PR'd by .28 and ran .08 faster than any woman ever has. Two other women PR'd by more than .10. Did the wind (+0.9 officially) pick up in middle of the race? Amusan has been in good form but no one saw 12.12 coming. pic.twitter.com/F6AZZAmM5u

— Jonathan Gault (@jgault13) July 25, 2022

Despite Johnson’s concerns, Amusan’s new world record will stand. Joining her and Harrison in the final will be Olympic champion Jasmine Camacho-Quinn of Puerto Rico, the Jamaican pair of Britany Anderson and 2015 world champion Danielle Williams, American Alia Armstrong, Devynne Charlton of the Bahamas and Brit Cindy Sember.

Nigerians React

However, Nigerians on Twitter, criticized Johnson over his comments in the wake of Amusan’s record-breaking win.

According to a cross-section of comments, the legend is just jealous and racist because an American didn’t win the Championship gold medal.

Here are some tweets:

https://twitter.com/EkeVanVictor/status/1551486276263608320?t=TuSIK1X2pLDnhyzDJ4zUNA&s=19

https://twitter.com/OAgbama/status/1551477039349354501?t=84fDuXLxLxKeMycxGt_atw&s=19

Michael Jackson I know, Michael Jordan i know but Michael Johnson I know not.
You're the least most popular MJ even with your records https://t.co/6ysG1NRH87

— Larry Ket (@Pokson_Prints) July 25, 2022

https://twitter.com/kvngs_man/status/1551472417738035201?t=Fw8rHvhaywkx20aQHi64kg&s=19

You have to understand why Nigerians are angry with Michael Johnson.

Nigerians, AGAINST all odds achieve a feat, without Govt support, literally on their own.

To have a self-appointed jackass call that into question rankles

That is why we are angry. We see ourselves in Amusan

— Ikenna Ronald Nzimora – Akunaesiobike (@ronaldnzimora) July 25, 2022