Masai Russell makes feelings known about her incredible turnaround from heartbreak at World Championships to gold at Paris Olympics 2024

Masai Russell shared her thoughts about making an impressive turnaround in the 2024 season after a heartbreaking end to her 2023 season. The Olympic champion registered a Did Not Finish in the semifinals of the 2023 World Championships after hitting a hurdle.

Russell was fresh off a record-breaking collegiate season at the University of Kentucky and was one of the favorites for a podium finish in the 100m hurdles at the World Championships. However, a DNS in the semifinals broke her heart, and she vowed to come back harder in the next season.

“It was definitely a very emotional time for me because I did really see myself making it to that World Championship final and when I hit the hurdle, I like literally couldn’t believe it and I just saw the race run away from me... I’m like you know that was my first time but I’m going to be back for sure," Masai Russell said in an appearance on the Ready Set Go podcast in 2024.

Reflecting on her promise after making an incredible comeback in 2024, the 24-year-old wrote in an Instagram story on Saturday:

"This aged quite well."

Russell showed off her turnaround in the next story and wrote:

"A year later 🦋⏰."

Masai Russell's Instagram stories

Russell, who competed in 2023 without a sponsor, won the 60m hurdles indoor national at the start of 2024 before signing a professional contract with Nike in April. She won the 100m hurdles outdoor national title at the U.S. Olympic Trials before winning the Olympic gold in 12.33s at the Paris Olympics.

The 100m hurdles NCAA record holder bought a new house and a Mercedes car afterward and termed her rookie season a 'dream' one.

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Masai Russell kicks off the 2025 season with an impressive win at the Texas Tech Corky Classic

Buffalo Bills vs. Baltimore Ravens - Masai Russell in attendance Source: Getty

Masai Russell kickstarted her 2025 season with an impressive victory in the 60m hurdles at the Texas Tech Corky Classic on Friday, January 17. The 24-year-old clocked a blistering 7.89s to beat world record holder Devynne Charlton, who came second in 7.93s.

"First hurdle race in 4 months! Happy to be back with so much more to come. I was so high over the first couple but we got the job done. This szn will be great one! Claiming it now," she said following her victory.

Russell also competed in the 60m dash and won the race in 7.34s.

The 24-year-old competed at the 2024 edition of the event as well, finishing third in the 60m hurdles in 7.88s. She is now slated to compete at the 2025 Milrose Games for the first time in her professional career on February 8.