"I took every L to the chin" - Masai Russell pens heartfelt note following gold medal victory at Paris Olympics 2024

By Marie Amani

Modified Aug 13, 2024 14:22 GMT

Masai Russell stunned the world with her impeccable run to claim the women’s 100m hurdles title at the Paris Olympics 2024. After her victory, she is still socking in the glory as she penned a heartfelt message, sharing what she had to endure to make it to the top.

Going up against a stacked field in the final, Russell clocked a stunning 12.33s to cross the finish line ahead of Frenchwoman Cyrena Samba-Mayela and Puerto Rican athlete Jasmine Camacho-Quinn who clocked 12.34s and 12.36s, respectively.

Masai Russell meant business as she stepped on the track at the Stade de France. She clocked 12.53s to win the first round ahead of Nadine Visser. Samba-Mayela completed the podium in the round. Heading to the semifinal, Russell finished second behind Camacho-Quinn before making an impact in the final.

In a recent Instagram post, Masai Russell noted that she had doubts about her abilities and never believed that she could win an Olympic gold medal. The 24-year-old added that at some point, she could not compete freely and train effectively but she embraced that version of herself, knowing that there was light at the end of the tunnel.

"There was no indication that I would be an Olympic Champion in the 100 hurdles this year & tbh it felt like a distant dream that could never be reached. But here’s the truth…never let anyone sway you from what you believe about yourself," Russell said.

"I got to a point where I was hyper-aware of everything, causing me to forget how to hurdle, practice & compete freely. I continued to show up for this version of myself, I knew was possible. I did it without making excuses and I took every L to the chin," she added.

Masai Russell added that she had to go through the process of losing herself before coming out stronger and ready to embrace the glory. She urged her fans to always stay focused and eventually, things will work out for them.

"I had to be lost, to be found. Focus on your path, stay committed, and believe in yourself. Records can be broken, but the accolades you earn are yours forever. Embrace the grind, for every step taken brings you closer to greatness," she added.

"I couldn’t sleep last night" - Masai Russell recounts amnesia before winning maiden Olympic gold medal

Masai Russell recounts amnesia before winning maiden Olympic gold medal - Source: Getty

Masai Russell claimed that she could not sleep the night before winning the Olympic gold medal in the women’s 100m hurdles at the Paris Olympics.

As quoted by Olympics.com, she pointed out that she could hear her name being mentioned as the No. 1.

"I couldn’t sleep last night because I kept tossing and turning, hearing my name coming up as No. 1. When it actually came up, I was like, 'Stop playing with me!'" she said.

Russell had struggled to make an impact on the global stage since she turned professional after the completion of the NCAA season in 2023. She finished ninth at the Prefontaine Classic before turning heads at the U.S. Olympic trials where she won the final.

Alaysha Johnson and Grace Stark finished second and third. Going into the Paris Olympics, Russell had entered the chat as one of the athletes primed for a podium finish.