Masai Russell reveals next stop after shunning World Indoor Championships

Olympic champion Masai Russell

Masai Russell reveals next stop after shunning World Indoor Championships

Stephen Awino 20:02 - 24.02.2025

Olympic champion Masai Russell has revealed her next stop as she opts out of competing at the World Indoor Championships.

Olympic champion Masai Russell has confirmed her next competition after announcing that she will not be participating in the 2025 World Indoor Championships.

The star hurdler, who recently ran a world-leading 7.74 seconds at the USA Championships, ahead of Grace Stark (7.76) and Christina Clemons (7.81), has provided insight into her decision to opt out of the global indoor event.

Speaking via Citius Mag, Russell explained that her decision was based on strategic planning for the long outdoor season ahead.

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“Just because it's very close to the outdoor season, you know, I am a professional now, so I'm not in a rush to just go back and forth from competition to competition," stated Russell.

"For me personally and mentally, I like to take a break before spinning it up again, and I just think it's going to set me up really great for the outdoor season,” she added.

“The season is very long this year, ending in September, so I want to make sure that I am ready to run, my mindset is there, and my cup is full going into World Outdoors.”

With her indoor season concluded on a high, Russell has revealed her next competitive outing will be at the Texas Relays before heading to the Grand Slam Track Showdown in Kingston, Jamaica, in April.

“I think I'm going to run the 100 or the 4x1 at Texas Relays, and then I'm going to do the Grand Slam in Kingston,” she shared.

Although she is primarily known for her hurdling dominance, Russell is intrigued by the possibility of exploring the 100m sprint.

“It's going to be fun. I mean, I'm not a 100 runner, but maybe it'll turn into something—who knows? I'm bad, I can hurdle, and I'm fast, so maybe Gail Devers part two,” she added, referencing the legendary American sprinter and hurdler.

Russell’s decision to focus on the outdoor season signals her intent to build upon her Olympic success and remain at the top of her game.

With her eyes set on the long competitive year ahead, fans can expect thrilling performances as she takes on new challenges on the track.