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Olympic champion Masai Russell shared a heartfelt birthday tribute to her mentor and rival Nia Ali, reflecting on their unique bond, competitive dynamics and the powerful influence of mentorship in athletics.
Olympic 100m hurdles champion Masai Russell recently took to social media to share a touching birthday message for fellow American hurdler Nia Ali, who turned 36 on Wednesday, October 23.
Despite the rivalry between the two on the track, Russell’s Instagram story celebrated Ali’s legacy, acknowledging her guidance and friendship over the years.
Russell, who recently secured her first Olympic gold in Paris with an impressive time of 12.33 seconds, shared a sincere note that showcased her respect and admiration for the seasoned hurdler.
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Ali, an accomplished athlete in her own right, won a silver medal in the 100m hurdles at the 2016 Rio Olympics and a gold at the 2019 Doha World Championships.
She remains a celebrated figure in American track and field, not only for her achievements but also for her resilience and dedication to the sport.
"To my mentor & someone I consider a real friend happy birthday love! I will always appreciate our talks and the guidance you've given me throughout my career… it never goes unnoticed!" Russell wrote on her Instagram story.
"I'm wishing you the happiest birthday because you deserve it. I love you and can't wait to see you again @niall."
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This heartfelt message from Russell comes just months after the two athletes faced off at the U.S. Olympic Trials in June at Hayward Field Stadium.
In a competitive 100m hurdles event, Russell clinched victory with a new personal best and world-leading time of 12.25 seconds, securing her spot for the Paris Olympics.
Ali, who gave a strong season-best performance of 12.37 seconds, finished fourth, narrowly missing a place in her second Olympic Games.
The result marked a significant moment in their rivalry, underscoring the competitive yet supportive relationship between the two athletes.
In her tribute, Russell emphasized the value of Ali’s mentorship, describing her as a pivotal figure in her athletic journey.
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Ali’s experience has served as a guiding light for Russell as she transitioned from collegiate competition to the professional circuit.
"Her experience is just through the roof," Russell said in a conversation with former NFL player Ryan Clark earlier this month.
Reflecting on the unique dynamics of mentorship among competitors, she added, "I would never look to my competitors for a word. I would look to someone outside of my event, but not someone in my event unless they are like away, like who is on their way out probably and that's just me. That's the competitiveness in me."
Despite her general stance on keeping competitive distance, Russell revealed that Ali stands as an exception.
The two have built a close relationship since Russell’s college days, when Ali took her under her wing, providing invaluable advice and support.
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As Russell put it, "Me and I have to say like me and Nia Ali… She’s 34, 35 years old, with three kids, and she's still killing it, but she's showed me that mentorship from when I was in college."
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