Masai Russell has already set her sights on the next Olympics, looking to build on her debut momentum and clinch another victory in Los Angeles 2028.
Just months after her thrilling victory in the women’s 100m hurdles at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Olympic champion Masai Russell is already looking ahead to a second gold.
Russell, in her debut Olympic appearance, clinched the gold with a time of 12.33 seconds, edging out France’s Cyrena Samba-Mayela by a mere 0.01 seconds.
Puerto Rico’s Jasmine Camacho-Quinn, the defending champion, took bronze in a time of 12.36 seconds.
Russell’s journey to Olympic glory was fueled by a record-breaking season as she set a world-leading time of 12.25 seconds at the U.S. Olympic Trials, proving herself as a top contender.
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Reflecting on the path to Paris, Russell shared the mental focus required to reach the games.
“Seeing Paris 2024 everywhere as an athlete actively pursuing that goal, it’s there, but you don’t want to get ahead of yourself because there are so many little goals you still have to focus on. For us, we have to make it through U.S. Championships or Olympic Trials, and if you’re not in the top three, you’re not going,” she reflected, appearing as a panelist on ESPN's Women + Sports summit.
Russell emphasized the importance of positive energy and surrounding herself with like-minded individuals in the lead-up to Paris.
“I’m big on energy and on who feeds me good energy. I’m so blessed to be here, in this space with all these beautiful women who are inspiring in their own way,” she shared.
Her victory in Paris has sparked a renewed drive to push her limits further.
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“I got my first one, and I know it’s going to take a lot of hard work to do it again,” Russell said, acknowledging the challenge ahead.
“But I’ve already done it once before, and I’m the only person stopping me from doing it again.”