'It’s like, as it should be'- Masai Russell unsurprised after setting world lead at Millrose Games

Olympic champion Masai Russell

'It’s like, as it should be'- Masai Russell unsurprised after setting world lead at Millrose Games

Stephen Awino 18:01 - 09.02.2025

Olympic champion Masai Russell continued her dominant start to the season at the Milrose Games.

Olympic champion Masai Russell has once again asserted her dominance in the 60m hurdles, clocking a world-leading 7.76 seconds at the prestigious Milrose Games.

Following her commanding win at the NB Indoor Grand Prix, Russell continued her stellar form, defeating teammate Grace Stark and competitor Devynne Charlton to clinch victory in her pet event.

In a post-race reflection, Russell expressed confidence in her training and performance.

"It just felt like it should. That’s the best way I can put it. I’ve been working so hard—this is the hardest I’ve ever worked—so to finally see my dominance and step into who I know I am, consistently, I’m just happy with it. It’s like, as it should be," she said via Citius Mag.

While pleased with her performance, Russell admitted she had expected an even faster time.

"I actually expected to go a little faster today, not going to lie. But in due time—we have such a long season, and we haven’t really backed off much," she expressed.

"I just competed in Boston, trained for two days, and got back on a plane. I’m happy with it. As long as I’m progressing, I’m not hard on myself. If I’m winning, times don’t really matter. As a professional, if you cross the line first, whether it’s 8 seconds or 7.7, I’m still happy."

The 2024 Paris 100m hurdles Olympic champion also emphasized the importance of maintaining composure and avoiding unnecessary stress.

"Adding extra stress is unnecessary for me. If I execute, I know I’ll be successful. If I come up short, it’ll be very close because I’m a competitor," she noted

"It’s cool to say I’ve got a streak going since I’ve never done that before, and I’m doing it among amazing women. The women’s hurdles are the most competitive event, so I’m happy to be making a statement."

Reflecting on her journey, Russell credited her unwavering self-belief for her success, stating, "It doesn’t matter what anyone says or thinks—it’s all about how I train and believe in myself. Leading up to the trials, no one even had me making the final, but I ran 12.25, made history, and became the Olympic champion."

Looking ahead, Russell revealed that she would conclude her indoor season at the US Championships and skip the World Indoors to focus on her long-term goals.

"My last indoor meet will be the US Championships. World Indoors is too close to the first Grand Slam, and my goal is to peak in September. I’d rather focus on getting ready for outdoors instead of the 60 hurdles. I’ll do two more indoor races, then prepare for the outdoor season," she stated.

With her confidence soaring, Russell continues to solidify her status as one of the premier hurdlers in the world, setting the stage for another groundbreaking outdoor season.

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