Serena Williams' husband Alexis Ohanian, Abby Steiner, and more react as Masai Russell crowned Breakthrough Performer of the Year

Masai Russell received congratulatory messages from Serena Williams' husband and Athlos NYC founder Alexis Ohanian, Abby Steiner, and other athletes after she won the 2024 Breakthrough Performer of the Year award from the USA Track and Field committee.

Russell won the award following an incredible 2024 season that saw her win the 100m hurdles title at the 2024 Paris Olympics. She clocked 12.33s to beat France's Cyrena Samba-Mayela, who took silver in 12.34s.

The 24-year-old expressed gratitude after being awarded the USATF Breakthrough Performer of the Year award and revealed that she was doubting her abilities at the start of the year before triumphing in Paris.

"I am so humbled and honored to receive this award. From the start of this year, I felt lost and confused, with little direction regarding what was happening in my life. I was tested, I doubted myself & my abilities, and I reached a point where I didn’t even recognize myself anymore."

"I am here to tell you that there’s nothing you can’t do without faith and belief. Never say never. You will achieve what you work for and dreams do come true! I am a living testimony. Thank you all for the love & continuous support. I love you all🫶🏽," she wrote.

Russell, who finished third at the Athlos NYC, received a congratulatory message from founder Alexis Ohanian following her win at the USATF Awards.

"👏👏👏"

The Olympic champion received a heartfelt one-word message from Abby Steiner, who wrote:

"Earned ❤️"

100m hurdles silver medalist from the 2016 Olympics Nia Ali hyped up Russell, writing:

"The biggest ❤️‍🔥"

Quincy Wilson, who won the Young Athlete of The Year award, also congratulated the 24-year-old, calling her an inspiration.

"inspiration❤️"

Alexis Ohanian, Abby Steiner, and more react to Masai Russell's win (via Instagram)

Russel turned pro in 2023 after a record-breaking collegiate career at the University of Kentucky and while she made the team for the World Championships, she endured an unlucky end to her campaign after hitting a hurdle during the semifinals.

The 24-year-old was heartbroken from the loss and started doubting her abilities in the 2024 season before redeeming herself in the greatest way possible at the Paris Olympics.

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"It’s literally a dream come true" - Masai Russell reveals she was dreaming about winning the Olympic gold the night before finals

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

Speaking in an interview with Olympics.com following her 100m hurdles win at the Paris Olympics, Masai Russell revealed she had been dreaming about her victory the night before the finals.

"I don’t want to say that I was in shock, but it’s literally a dream come true. I couldn’t sleep last night because I kept tossing and turning, hearing my name coming up as No. 1. When it actually came up, I was like, ‘Stop playing with me!’” Masai Russell said.

The 24-year-old concluded her season at Alexis Ohanian's Athlos NYC and bagged $10,000 after a third-place finish in an impressive 12.44s.