Prior to the thrilling conclusion of the women’s 100m hurdles final at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, not many had considered Ditaji Kambundji a frontrunner. In fact, the spotlight was often brighter on her sister, Mujinga, a decorated athlete with a formidable list of achievements, including multiple world championships. However, on this night, it was Ditaji who seized the opportunity to shine, delivering a stunning performance that led her to a gold medal and a new personal best of 12.24 seconds.
Going into the competition, Kambundji had faced challenges translating her impressive indoor performances into outdoor success. Although she had not been prominently featured among the favorites, the stakes were high, and the 23-year-old showed remarkable determination when it mattered most. Her time was just shy of Yordanka Donkova’s long-standing European record but a significant leap from her previous results of 12.40 seconds in Rome last year and in Zurich this year.
The final was loaded with heavy-hitters, including Olympic champion Masai Russell and Nigeria’s Tobi Amusan, both of whom boasted superior season times. Russell, despite being the fastest woman in the world this year with a remarkable 12.17 seconds, suffered setbacks in her rhythm during the final, hitting multiple hurdles and ultimately finishing out of medal contention in fourth place. Grace Stark, another strong contender and Russell’s US teammate, rounded off the podium in third.
A shocking twist came earlier in the evening during the semifinals, where Jamaica’s Ackera Nugent was narrowly eliminated from qualifying for the final. A consistent performer earlier in the season, Nugent’s failure to progress was surprising, particularly after showcasing her talent in previous competitions.
With the stage set for the final, Kambundji executed an impressive start and maintained her lead throughout the race. Her celebration upon crossing the finish line was filled with disbelief and joy, showcasing the emotional weight of her achievement. After the race, Kambundji expressed her exhilaration, stating, “It’s crazy. I knew I had it in me… All that mattered today was the title. It’s amazing to be world champion.”
Reflecting on her close bond with her sister, who has experienced her own triumphs and challenges, Kambundji mentioned the significance of competing in the same setting where Mujinga, who is expecting her first child soon, has previously excelled. “We definitely have a good relationship with this track,” she shared. “I know she will be thrilled. I am bringing home something really incredible.”
Kambundji’s victory marks a pivotal moment in her burgeoning career, turning the expectations of the competition on its head and establishing her as a formidable force in the world of athletics.
