'I’m trying to build a legacy'- History-chasing Masai Russell undone with targets set in 2024

'I’m trying to build a legacy'- History-chasing Masai Russell undone with targets set in 2024

Evans Ousuru 09:00 - 20.10.2024

She reiterates that glory in Paris was only the beginning of better things to come.

Paris Olympics 100m hurdles gold medalist Masai Russell maintains she still has her sights on the targets she set at the start of 2024 despite her heroics in the French Capital.

The 24-year-old slugged her way into contention off the final barrier in the Stade de France in August, delivering the knockout blow to the big home hope with her lunge for the line. Russell prevailed in 12.33 seconds, just 0.01 seconds ahead of the French athlete Cyrena Samba-Mayela, with defending champion Jasmine Camacho-Quinn of Puerto Rico third in 12.36.

Having started 2024 with four goals written down – world indoor record, world indoor title, Olympic title and world outdoor record, the American is yearning for further glory having set the standard in Paris.

She reiterated that glory in Paris was only the beginning of better things to come. Russell, who recently stated that she never confides in her direct competitors, said: “My goal is to be the world indoor record-holder, the world indoor champ, world outdoor record-holder, world outdoor champ - and Olympic champ again,” she told World Athletics.

“If I’m not shooting to be the best ever in the sport, then what am I doing?". Russell added that she wants to build her own legacy and become a role model for the generation to come. She pointed out that this is one of the ways her contribution to the sport can be remembered.

“I’m trying to build a legacy for those who look up to me: the little girls who don’t believe they’re big enough or strong enough to do it. I know that they can. I want to be that person for them.”

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