By Chris Chavez
July 22, 2023
U.S. champion Nia Ali won the women’s 100m hurdles at the Monaco Diamond League in 12.30, which is the fastest time in the world this year.
What you need to know:
– Last month, Ali won her first career U.S. 100m hurdles title with a season’s best of 12.37, which was her fastest time since winning the 2019 world championships gold medal. She is coming into form at the perfect time.
– Ali won by just .01s ahead of Keni Harrison (12.31) as her compatriots Alaysha Johnson (12.39) and Tia Jones (12.39) led an American 1-2-3–4 sweep.
– Ali is certainly a medal contender, especially after reigning world champion and world record holder Tobi Amusan faces a suspension for missing three drug tests in a 12-month span. Amusan says she is challenging the charge and will present her case before a disciplinary tribunal, which will determine if her provisional suspension is lifted before the meet starts.
What she said afterward:
Ali said: “I feel like I haven’t reached my potential. I know it’s so odd. Everyone is like, ‘You’re older!’ I’m like, ‘Yeah but my body feels great!’ I know that I have a higher ceiling than where I’ve been performing. Having my children and always preaching to them how important it is to work to your best – the best of your abilities. Do not leave anything unturned. I feel like I need to lead by example. I don’t want them to ask me questions that I can’t answer later. I always want to do my best and leave my best in the sport.”
What comes next:
The first round of the women’s 100m hurdles at the world championships is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 22. The semifinal will be on Aug. 23. The final will be on Aug. 24.
Chris Chavez
Chris Chavez launched CITIUS MAG in 2016 as a passion project while working full-time for Sports Illustrated. He covered the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro and grew his humble blog into a multi-pronged media company. He completed all six World Marathon Majors and is an aspiring sub-five-minute miler.
