Switzerland’s Ditaji Kambundji won the women’s 100m hurdles gold in sensational style at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.
She exploded from the blocks in lane 3 and maintained flawless form throughout, slashing 0.14 off her national record to win in a national record of 12.26.
It added the world title to the European indoor crown she won in Apeldoorn in March in a European record of 7.67, crowning a superb year for the Swiss athlete.
It puts her joint tenth in the world all-time list. She is the first Swiss athlete ever to win the event.
In a high-quality event, world record holder and 2022 champion Tobu Amusan of Nigeria won silver in 12.29, USA’s Grace Stark won bronze in 12.34, with Olympic champion Masai Russell in fourth in 12.44.
Poland’s 2022 European champion Pia Skrzyszowska was fifth in a season’s best of 12.49, whilst Nadine Visser’s search for a first major medal in the sprint hurdles outdoors continues. The Dutch athlete was eighth in 12.56.
"I knew I had it in me"
"It's crazy. I was giving my all," said the thrilled Swiss athkete afterwards. "I tried to focus on myself. I was calm and pretty collected. I knew I had it in me. You could see on my face how happy I was when I realised I won. I was surprised. I thought that I was able to do it, but I was surprised because I knew all my competitors were able to win.
"This is something I have been working for and to run it the way I wanted to is special. Getting a personal best is nice but all that mattered today was the title. This result gives me a lot of motivation to work harder but right now I am just enjoying the title. It''s amazing to be a world champion. My family is here in the stands - my mum, dad and my aunt, and it feels amazing to be able to share this moment with them.
"Memories from Tokyo will always be amazing for my family. In 2021 (at the Olympics) my sister Munjinga was in three finals. We definitely have a good relationship with this track. I am sure my sister is excited for me. It's exciting to have her support. I was thinking about her a lot during these days. Our bond is really special. I know she will be thrilled. I am bringing home something really incredible."
