Following his daughter’s heroics at the World Athletics Championships in Oregon, Tobi Amusan’s father pleaded with Nigerians to disregard remarks made by American track legend Michael Johnson.
Amusan beat the previous record of 12.20 seconds set by American Kendra Harrison in 2016 as she crossed the finish line first in her semifinal heat earlier this week.
But Michael Johnson, who won four Olympic gold medals and 8 World Championships gold medals in the span of his career, questioned her accuracy and timing.
This led to backlash from Nigerians on Twitter, who accused him of ‘black racism’
In a chat with The PUNCH, Amusan’s father stated that the American’s comments should be ignored.
“You know the western world and how they behave, you should know what they are,” Kehinde said.
“I feel unconcerned about what he said after the race because God has done what He needs to do. I don’t mind whatever anybody says about the timing, I feel that is how the western world is but they are not God.
“So, he is entitled to his opinion. I won’t take it as an offence because I just believe that’s what these blacks do.”
Also, Amusan’s youth coach, Ayodele Solaja, who coached the 25-year-old while she was a student at the Our Lady of Apostles, Ijebu Ode, said Johnson and other Americans were envious of Amosun, following her feat.
“Everyone in the US, including Michael Johnson, are just wallowing in envy because of the achievement of Tobi,” Solaja told The PUNCH.
“Tobi has done what no Nigerian could do in the World Championship.”
