Masai Russell shows off new hairstyle as she gears up for upcoming track season

Masai Russell flaunted her new afro hairstyle before stepping on the track for the 2025 season. Russell competed at the 2024 Paris Olympics, winning her debut Olympic title in her first professional season.

Masai Russell, an athlete who previously competed for the Kentucky Wildcats, clocked her first sub-13s in the 100m hurdles at the 2021 SEC Championships. She continued her momentum in 2023, breaking the 60m hurdles collegiate record held by Grace Stark. Russell also broke the 100m hurdles collegiate record in 12.36s at the Texas Relays that year.

Though the American earned a qualification at the 2023 World Championships, she faced a setback in the semi-finals. Starting the 2024 track season with a 60m hurdles fourth finish at the 2024 World Indoor Championships, Russell clocked her personal best time in the 100m hurdles at the Olympic trials to qualify for her debut Games.

The 24-year-old clocked 12.33s in the Paris Olympics final and won the gold, surpassing defending champion Jasmine Camacho-Quinn and Cyrena Samba-Mayela. Having enjoyed the off-season and welcomed the New Year's, Masai Russell shared a boomerang clip of her new hairstyle for the upcoming track season.

Masai Russell flaunts new hair ahead of the 2025 track season; (Image Source: Instagram - @masai_russell)

Two days ago, she shared a video of her practicing her runs, hinting at upcoming participation, with the caption reading:

"Heating up… Planned to be opening up in the 60H next weekend.. stay tuned for more details."

Russell recently moved into her new home and spent Christmas with her family there. She shared a carousel of pictures featuring her parents and siblings inside her home.

"First Christmas in my new home"

Russell graduated with a degree in health science from the University of Kentucky in 2023.

Masai Russell expressed gratitude for her 2024 vision board that came true

Russell at the Buffalo Bills v Baltimore Ravens fixture (Source: Getty)

Masai Russell ended her 2024 track season with her 100m hurdles performance at the debut edition of Alexis Ohanian's brainchild, Athlos NYC. Months later, on December 31, 2024, she reflected on her successful year, winning the Olympic gold, buying a car and a home, and receiving an honor from the University of Kentucky among other achievements, as combined in her Instagram video montage.

In her caption, she encouraged her fans to create a vision board for 2025 and manifest. Her year-end post caption read:

"This is your sign to do a vision board for 2025. Grateful for every hardship that shaped my journey. Here’s to embracing the lessons and celebrating the growth ❤️ I’m so excited for what 2025 has in store."

Russell received the Breakthrough Performer of the Year honor by USATF for her Paris Olympics success.