)
Just last year, Olympic champion Masai Russell was still plying her trade at Kentucky Track and field yet to turn professional.
Masai Russell, the 100m hurdles Olympic champion, has been named the USA Track and Field (USATF) Breakthrough Performer of the Year following an extraordinary debut professional season.
The 23-year-old hurdler’s rise from collegiate standout to Olympic gold medalist has been nothing short of historic, with 2024 marking a defining year in her young career.
)
19:10 - 08.12.2024
Masai Russell reveals target in flat 100m race at Michael Johnson's Grand Slam Track as she prepares to take on Gabby Thomas & Co
Although a hurdler, the Olympic gold medalist will be taking part in the 100m at next year's inaugural Grand Slam Track against the likes of Gabby Thomas and Mellisa Jeferson.
Russell’s meteoric rise began during her time at the University of Kentucky, where she cemented herself as one of the top collegiate athletes.
In 2021, she broke the 13-second barrier with a time of 12.90, followed by further improvements to 12.71 in 2022.
Her 2023 season proved to be a game-changer, as she shattered the NCAA record with a remarkable 12.36, setting the stage for her professional career.
Turning pro at the conclusion of her collegiate season, Russell entered 2024 with ambitious goals of breaking the world indoor record, winning the world indoor title, claiming Olympic gold, and setting the world outdoor record.
While she narrowly missed the indoor accolades, falling short to her training partner Devynne Charlton, who won gold in Glasgow, Russell’s outdoor season became the highlight of her career.
Russell’s standout moment of the year came at the U.S. Olympic Trials in Eugene, Oregon.
At Hayward Field, she dominated the competition, clocking a breathtaking 12.25 to secure her spot on Team USA.
Facing stiff competition from the likes of Alaysha Johnson and Grace Stark, Russell described her victory at the trials as her true breakout achievement.
Carrying that momentum to Paris, Russell navigated a grueling outdoor season that spanned 22 races, including heats, semifinals, and finals.
)
11:35 - 06.12.2024
Revealed: How Olympic champion Masai Russell intends to celebrate historic 2024 campaign
Masai Russell has recently purchased a home on the back of winning gold at the Paris Olympics and she intends to write a book a bout it.
In the 100m hurdles Olympic final, she edged out a star-studded field Jasmine Camacho-Queen and Cyrena Samba-Mayela to clinch gold, marking her fifth and final victory of a marathon season.
As she looks to 2025, her goals remain ambitious to secure world titles both indoors and outdoors while preparing for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)