Favour Ofili couldn’t hide her delight after obliterating the women’s 150m world record at the Adidas Atlanta City Games.
The 22-year-old celebrated an astonishing 15.85s run—the first sub-16 mark ever—to smash Shaunae Miller-Uibo’s 16.23srecord from 2018.
Divine Intervention and Trusted Coaching
Ofili was quick to credit both her faith and her training regime for the feat:
“Honestly, it’s all God. I’m surprised by the time, yes, but I know I put in the work. I trust my coach, I trust his programme, and I knew that at the right time, the Lord would make it happen.”
Her coach’s mantra—“Relax and sprint; that’s your favourite”— proved pivotal in her high-pressure street setting at Piedmont Park.
How She Did It: Strategy Unveiled
Though the 150m is an unconventional event, Ofili treated it like a “long 100m,” leaning into explosive drive phases and letting the bouncy street track spring her forward:
“I got some advice: treat it like it’s a long 100 metres. Drive more, and if the track is bouncy, just let the track do the work,” she explained.
Elite Company: Only the Second Nigerian Ever
By claiming the record, Ofili joined hurdling superstar Tobi Amusan as one of just two Nigerians to hold a world athletics record.
Her time also outpaced the runner-up, Tamari Davis (16.14s)—another historic performance.
This world-record run is the crowning moment of a sensational outdoor season that saw Ofili clock a wind-aided 10.94sin the 100m and 22.27s in the 200m at Miami’s Grand Slam Track.
After placing sixth in the 200m at the Paris 2024 Olympics, she’s now firmly on course for a podium at the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo.
