"It still sounds so crazy"- Masai Russell still in disbelief after becoming Olympic champion within one year of 2023 World Championships setback

Masai Russell reflected on her journey from disappointment at the 2023 World Championships to winning the 100m hurdles title at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Russell also shared that her positive mindset and hard work helped her reach the desired success.

The 24-year-old finished in the 100m hurdles pole position at the 2024 US Olympic Trials, clocking a personal best of 12.25 seconds. She then clocked 12.33 seconds in the final to win gold at the Paris Olympics.

Fresh off her Olympic victory, the 24-year-old came third in the 100m hurdles event at the Rome Diamond League. She then clocked 12.47 seconds at the Zurich stop and finished third at the Zurich Diamond League.

Masai Russell reflected on her journey and how unimaginable the feeling of the Olympic champion was. She hit the second hurdle at the 2023 World Championships and ended her run for victory despite a strong start. But, the 24-year-old always looked at the brighter side and made her way to the top with faith and hard work.

"It's crazy that it just happened within a year. the thing I love about myself the most is that I always speak positive. I was so sad, I was so hurt, I was so distraught, but I knew something on the other side of that was going to come out, it was going to be better," she said in an interview with Tiara Williams.

She added:

"I always look at the brighter side of it, and I just continue to just hold that and work and just have faith. I mean the fact that to this day I'm still saying I'm the Olympic champion, it still sounds so crazy."

Her 60m hurdles personal best timing of 7.75 seconds is the 13th on the all-time list.

Masai Russell showed off her Paris Olympics gold medal in front of the crowd in Kroger Field during Kentucky Wildcats' football game

Masai Russell with her gold medal at the Paris Olympics (Source: Getty)

The Olympic champion graced the Kroger Field in Kentucky to watch the football match between her alma mater The University of Kentucky and the Georgia Bulls. During the game, Masai Russell danced with the Olympic gold medal around her neck and showed it off to the audience, who cheered for her.

A collaborative Instagram post by Team USA and UK Athletics shared Masai Russell's photo carousel with the caption:

"Masai brought home the gold! BBN is so proud of you, @masai_russell."

The 25-year-old holds the US NCAA record in the 100m hurdles and her personal best timing of 12.25 seconds is the fifth of all time in the discipline.