Tokyo World Athletics Championships 2025: Women’s 100m Hurdles Preview, A Clash of Champions and Rising Stars

By: Denise N. Fyffe

The women’s 100m hurdles has long been one of the most unpredictable and electrifying events in track and field. With razor-thin margins separating the best in the world, the Tokyo 2025 World Athletics Championships promises a showdown of Olympic champions, world-record holders, and fearless new contenders.

Masai Russell: The Favorite on a Golden Run

All eyes will be on Masai Russell of the United States, who arrives in Tokyo as the reigning Olympic champion, having stormed to gold in Paris 2024 in 12.33 seconds. Far from resting on her laurels, Russell has been in unstoppable form this season. She has clocked three of the five fastest times in the world, highlighted by a North American record of 12.17 in Miami.

Russell’s consistency has been remarkable. She dominated the US Championships in Eugene (12.22) and followed up with a win at the Diamond League in Chorzow (12.19). Now, the American star is chasing her first world outdoor title to complete her collection of major honors.

The US Powerhouse: Stark and Johnson Join the Hunt

Russell won’t be alone in flying the American flag. Grace Stark is entering the championships as a rising force after winning her first-ever Diamond League race in Paris (12.21). Stark also claimed silver at the US Championships (12.31) and capped her season with a bronze at the Diamond League Final in Zurich (12.34).

Joining them is Alaysha Johnson, who battled her way onto the team with a third-place finish at the US Championships (12.36). The US trio is stacked with medal potential and could very well sweep the podium if they bring their best form to Tokyo.

Jamaica’s Threat: Ackera Nugent and Danielle Williams

Jamaica, always a powerhouse in the sprints and hurdles, is once again in the mix. Ackera Nugent has emerged as a serious contender, winning the Diamond League Final in Zurich (12.30), just 0.06 shy of her national record. Nugent also showcased consistency with a third-place finish in Paris (12.30) and a solid performance in Lausanne.

Veteran Danielle Williams, the reigning world champion from Budapest 2023 (12.43), will not surrender her crown easily. With her experience and championship pedigree, Williams remains a dangerous opponent capable of delivering on the biggest stage.

Europe’s Rising Stars: Kambundji and Visser

Switzerland’s Ditaji Kambundji has had a breakout season, equalling her national record with 12.40 in Zurich. She also claimed the European Indoor title in the 60m hurdles (7.67, a continental record) and consistently challenged the world’s best with podium finishes in Monaco (12.43) and Lausanne (12.54).

Meanwhile, Nadine Visser of the Netherlands has rewritten the Dutch record books. She ran a brilliant 12.28 in Chorzow and secured victory in Lausanne (12.45). Visser also proved her versatility indoors, claiming silver at the European Indoor Championships in Apeldoorn (7.72 NR). Her consistency makes her a serious medal prospect in Tokyo.

Tobi Amusan: The World Record Holder Returns

Nigeria’s Tobi Amusan, the 2022 world champion and world record holder (12.12), is back on the hunt for another global medal. Though she hasn’t yet matched her world-record form, Amusan has been a force this season with runner-up finishes in Paris (12.24) and Eugene (12.38), along with a third-place showing in Chorzow (12.38).

With her explosive starts and experience under pressure, Amusan remains one of the event’s biggest threats.

The Stage is Set for Tokyo

The women’s 100m hurdles in Tokyo 2025 is shaping up as a true battle of champions:

Russell, the Olympic queen on record-breaking form.
Stark and Johnson, hungry young Americans ready to shine.
Nugent and Williams, carrying Jamaica’s rich hurdling tradition.
Kambundji and Visser, Europe’s rising challengers.
Amusan, the world record holder eager to reclaim her crown.

With so many athletes running under 12.30 seconds, the final in Tokyo could deliver one of the fastest races in history. The question is not just who will win—but whether the world record could fall again on Japanese soil.

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About the writer: Denise N. Fyffe is a publisher and author for more than 15 years. She has written more than 70 books and enjoys mentoring, gardening and traveling. She is also a trainer and educator, helping others to achieve their dreams.