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Masai Russell summed up her 2024 breakthrough season with an emphatic message after winning the 100m hurdles Olympic title at the Paris Olympics. The American athlete graduated from the University of Kentucky in 2023 and enjoyed a remarkable rookie season this year.
As the year came to a close, Russel shared a series of highlight pictures on Instagram on December 31st. From her Olympic debut in Paris to buying a new house, the 24-year-old summed up her year with 16 pictures, writing:
"me + 2024 went together real bad 🖤."
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Russel started her season early in January at the UK Rod McCravy Memorial in the 60m hurdles, winning the race in an impressive 8.09s. She racked up several wins on her way to winning the national title but missed the world indoor podium by just 0.02s.
The Washington D.C. native kicked off her outdoor season at the Tom Jones Memorial in the 100m hurdles where she recorded 12.62s to finish fifth in the heats. Russel broke her personal best in the 100m hurdles twice at the U.S. Olympic Trials in June, clocking 12.35s and 12.25s to qualify for her maiden Olympic Games.
Although Masai Russell wasn't among the top favorites at the Paris Olympics, she rose to the occasion inside Stade de France, clocking 12.33s to win the Olympic gold medal. She closed off her season at the inaugural Athlos NYC, finishing 3rd to take home $10,000 in prize money.
Earlier in the season, the 24-year-old signed a professional contract with Nike and bought a new house and a Mercedes car following lucrative bonuses from the brand over Olympic success. She is now looking forward to the 2025 track and field season.
"We coming different" - Masai Russell shares excitement ahead of 2025 season opener at the Millrose Games
Masai Russell shared her excitement for the 2025 track and field season on Tuesday as she wrote on X:
"2025 we coming different."
The 24-year-old is set to compete at the Millrose Games for the first time in her professional career and will lineup in the 60m hurdles on February 8, 2025, at The Armory in NYC.
“Last year I wasn't able to be a part of [Millrose Games] because it was my first year on the professional circuit. It was the week before USAs, so I didn't want to do too much traveling while I was in the process of getting my feet wet. But the Millrose Games have a very special place in my heart because I ran there all four years when I was in high school as a Bullis athlete…I was watching those professional athletes when I was in high school and I wanted to be in their place. It’s definitely going to mean a lot to come back and I know the energy at that meet is just electric," Masai Russell said [via Citius Magazine].
Russel has a personal best of 7.75s in the 60m hurdles and will be one of the favorites to win the high-octane clash in New York. During the last indoor season, she won five of her 11 races and will now hope to better the win/loss ratio in the upcoming season.
