At TrackGirlz, our mission is to inspire and empower young girls through the sport of track and field, equipping them with health, academic, and social tools. As part of our commitment, we are excited to launch our “On Track to Paris” series, highlighting remarkable female athletes who embody the spirit of what it means to be a TRACKGIRL. Our latest feature in this series focuses on the extraordinary journey of Masai Russell: a star is born.

Meet Masai Russell

Born on June 17, 2000, Russell has emerged as one of the most promising track and field athletes in the United States. Known for her exceptional skills in hurdling, she holds the U.S. NCAA record in the 100m hurdles and has personal bests that place her among the fastest in history.

Russell running an indoor relay in high school

Dominance at the USA Olympic Trials

The USA Olympic Trials held from June 21-30 were a critical milestone for Russell. Competing in the 100m hurdles, she stunned the Hayward Field stadium and the track and field world by winning with an impressive time of 12.25 seconds. This jaw-dropping performance tied her for the fourth fastest time in history and broke Gail Devers’ 24-year-old meet record, securing her spot on Team USA for the Paris Olympics.

Russell going over a hurdle, representing the University of Kentucky

Collegiate Success and Professional Career

Russell’s journey began at Bullis School and continued at the University of Kentucky, where she set numerous records and earned multiple accolades. Her achievements include:

Overcoming Obstacles

Despite her success, Russell has faced significant challenges. The 2024 season started quite rocky for the hurdler, marked by doubts and criticism. “I had the worst season of my life and I’m now an Olympian. I was fighting for my life ro run 12.6 a couple of weeks ago”. She remained focused and resilient, channeling her faith and dedication to overcome these obstacles. Her emotional victory at the trials was a testament to her perseverance and hard work.

Russell bites her gold medal at the 2024 USA Olympic Trials

Recent Achievements

In addition to her triumph at the Olympic Trials, Russell finished third at the 2023 USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships, qualifying to represent the USA at the World Championships. Her consistent performance and determination have established her as a leading figure in sport.

Impact Beyond the Track

Beyond her athletic achievements, Russell exemplifies the qualities that TrackGirlz strives to instill in young girls: hard work, determination, and leadership. Her journey from a talented high school athlete to an Olympian serves as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved despite obstacles. Her openness about the highs and lows of her journey provides invaluable lessons in resilience and mental strength, encouraging young girls to overcome their own challenges and pursue their dreams.

Russell stands on the track in a graduation cap with all of the NCAA awards

About TrackGirlz

Founded by Olympian and USA Track and Field Women’s Relay Team Coach Mechelle Lewis Freeman, TrackGirlz is dedicated to equipping girls with the tools they need to succeed in life through the sport of track and field. With a mission to ensure all girls have equal access to safe, fun, and enriching physical activities, TrackGirlz fosters an environment where young athletes can thrive, build self-esteem, and develop leadership skills that last a lifetime.

Stay tuned for more inspiring stories in our “On Track to Paris” series as we continue to celebrate the incredible women who are making waves in track and field and paving the way for future generations.