'I didn't even know I had it' - American sprint legend recounts finding out Masai Russell broke her U.S Trials record

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'I didn't even know I had it' - American sprint legend recounts finding out Masai Russell broke her U.S Trials record

Stephen Awino 18:30 - 13.11.2024

American sprint legend Gail Devers and former holder of the U.S Trials record in the 100m hurdles has recounted about how she found out that Olympic champion Masai Russell had broken her longstanding record.

Retired American sprint legend Gail Devers has recently opened up about learning that her longstanding US Trials record in the women’s 100m hurdles had been broken by Olympic champion Masai Russell.

In a recent interview on the Ready Set Go podcast with former American sprinter Justin Gatlin and Rodney Green, Devers recounted the exact moment the news was broken to her.

“Records are made to be broken,” Devers reflected clearly hinting that she was unbothered and was happy for Russell.

“It’s supposed to go down. You’re supposed to put something out there for others to shoot at, and they are supposed to come get it and that’s what she did.”

Russell stormed to a remarkable 12.25 second finish at the U.S. Olympic Trials shattering the previous record held by Devers.

The former Olympian revealed that the news came from a group of high school students she coaches, who enthusiastically messaged her upon hearing her name mentioned as the former record-holder.

“I didn’t even know I had it,” Devers admitted with a laugh, adding, “That’s what we train for. You train for something out there to aim at, and that’s a record.”

Her response revealed both her humility and the excitement she feels when younger athletes achieve their dreams.

While she wasn't aware of holding the record, she expressed admiration for Russell’s determination and the inspiration her success would bring to others.

“She was shooting for a time, and she got it. That should inspire somebody else to go and get it,” Devers remarked.