Who is Masai Russell? Everything about the NCAA 100m hurdles record holder who stands in contention for the podium at the Paris Olympics

Modified Aug 07, 2024 11:56 GMT

Masai Russell has come into her own in recent times as she qualified in some style for the Paris Olympics 2024 by winning the US Olympic Trials in a record time of 12.25 seconds.

The American not only set an Olympic Trials record but also achieved her personal best and recorded the fourth-fastest time in the history of the Women's 100m hurdles. In doing so, the Bullis alumna qualified for her maiden Summer Games.

The US Olympic Trials record-holder said on her historic qualification:

"It still seems like a dream in a sense, like this is a dream I’ve had since I was a little girl. There was a point in my career where I never thought that I could attain being an Olympian." (via WJLA)

Her performances have grabbed plenty of eyeballs, as she entered the Olympics as one of the favorites to take home the gold. She finished first in her qualifying heat in Paris with a time of 12.53 seconds, easing into the semi-finals.

The University of Kentucky graduate previously signed a sponsorship deal with global athletic footwear and apparel titans, Nike.

Let's take a look at the 24-year-old's journey to the spotlight.

Masai Russell's hometown and coach

Masai Russell at the 2019 NCAA Division I Indoor Track and Field Championship | Getty Images

Born in Potomac, Maryland, the 5'4'' track phenom is coached by the decorated Lonnie Greene. With over 20 years of success in the NCAA at established universities, such as the University of Kentucky and Purdue University, Greene has consistently produced many Olympic medalists and Masai Russell looks to be the next on the list.

Masai Russell education

The track sensation finished her schooling at the famed Bullis School in 2018 before graduating from the University of Kentucky in 2022.

Other achievements

Russell holds the NCAA record for the fastest time in the 100m hurdles with an electrifying 12.36s. She only bettered this at the US Olympic Trials as she set another record, completing the race in 12.25s.

The American also finished third at the 2023 USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships and represented her nation at the World Championships, making it to the finals of the 100m hurdles at Budapest.

She also has a personal best of 7.75 seconds in the 60m hurdles at the NCAA Championships, the 13th-best timing of all time in the championship.