Tobi Amusan’s father reacts to Michael Johnson’s criticism of race time

Kehinde Amusan, father of world record holder Tobi Amusan, has said he is not bothered by comments made by retired American sprinter Michael Johnson about his daughter’s race time at the World Athletics Championships in Oregon.

Amusan set a new record in the semi-final by racing in 12.12 seconds to smash American Kendra Harrison’s 2016 world record.

In the final, however, an illegal tailwind caused Amusan to finish top in 12.06 seconds.

Reacting to the race time, Johnson said on Twitter, “I don’t believe 100h times are correct. World record broken by .08! 12 PBs (personal bests) set. 5 National records set. And Cindy Sember quote after her PB/NR (national record) ‘I thought I was running slow!’ All athletes looked shocked.”

The 54-year-old, who won four Olympic gold and eight World Championships gold in a stellar track career, added: “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.”

Nigerians immediately took to Twitter to criticise him for his comments. Johnson however hit back, saying he was only doing his job as a commentator.

Amusan’s father told PUNCH that he is not offended by Johnson’s comments and that the track legend is entitled to his opinion.

“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,” he said.

Amusan earlier revealed to BBC that her father did not support her choice of career in her early days.