Oluwatobiloba Amusan, the reigning track queen of Nigeria, has been nominated for the Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year honor.
Following Vitalis Lanshima’s nomination in the Sportsperson with a Disability category in 2004—which he lost to a Canadian—her nomination makes her the first Nigerian sportswoman to be considered for the most prestigious sporting award in the world.
Last year, Amusan made headlines for a number of outstanding performances at the World Athletics Championships in Oregon, United States of America and the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
The 25-year-old set a new world record in the 100-meter hurdles at the World Athletics Championships.
The Ogun state born athlete also successfully defended her Commonwealth title in Birmingham.
Amusan also won the Diamond League championship, capping a glorious year.
✨ Here are the six Nominees for the 2023 Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year Award:
@carlosalcaraz
#ElenaRybakina
⚽️ @EnMaroc
⛸ @nathanwchen
️♂️ #ScottieScheffler
#TobiAmusan #Laureus23
— Laureus (@LaureusSport) February 20, 2023
Carlos Alcaraz and Elena Rybakina, both tennis players, are also up for the honor.
The Moroccan national team, Nathan Wchen, and Scottie Scheffler round out the other nominees.