When Upper Marlboro native Masai Russell was a child, she, two of her three brothers, and their father would spend countless hours on the track after school, and the entire day on weekends. This family support paved the way for her successful athletic career.
The 24-year-old Masai, an American track and field sprinter and hurdler, won the gold medal in the 100-meter hurdles at the 2024 Summer Olympics. She is also the NCAA Record holder in the 100-meter hurdles, among her many athletic accomplishments.
“If it weren’t for my mom and dad I wouldn’t be here on this international stage,” Masai tells PLM. “Not just in terms of physicality, but when it comes to my mentality and the way that I can handle challenging situations. I definitely give a lot of credit to my parents, who are always able to see the bigger picture.”
Like anyone who ultimately succeeds, Masai admits that she had rough times, especially in 2021, when she wanted to quit running. But she quickly realized, “That’s just not in me. I am so thankful I did not quit because it helped me to get to the next stage in my life.”
“I didn’t understand why I was feeling that way until I was able to make it to the other side of it. It’s human nature to want to quit, especially when you are in an uncomfortable place. When you get to the other side you will be very, very, happy.” says Masai, who is clearly wise beyond her years.
In addition to the fierce family support, she credits her coaches at Potomac’s Bullis High School, home to many promising young athletes including her close friend Quincy Wilson, and her Alma mater, the University of Kentucky, “for never allowing me to have self-doubt,” especially at the beginning of her stellar sports journey.
This is fortuitous because it led to her shining moment at the 2024 Summer Olympics, where she took home a gold medal, while surrounded by her parents, siblings, and nearly 30 members of her extended family.
Looking back on her experience at the Olympics, Masai says “It feels like a dream that I never believed could come true, but it did very quickly before my eyes. Everything about it was so powerful and so magical.”
She fondly looks back at the time she spent in The Olympic Village. “It was my first time being around people from all over the world. I just couldn’t believe that I was there,” she recalls.
“Then when I was on the boat during the opening ceremony I was talking to LeBron James and Stephen Curry, and taking pictures with them. To believe that I am one of the best athletes in the world, and to be among others who are the best, is like no other feeling.”
For Masai, using her success and celebrity to serve as a role model for young people, is something she will never take lightly. “When I sit down and understand how many people I impact, it makes me emotional,” she says.
“I have become the person that I dreamed of; I am living that life right now. I’m glad I can just guide and lead the younger generation to greatness by being their example,” says Masai.
“You don’t always have to start from being the best. You don’t always have to start from having it all,” she says. “It takes work, but through work, you’ll get great things. You need to have faith in who you are and your abilities.”
For More on Masai:
https://www.youtube.com/@masairussell
https://www.instagram.com/masai_russell/
5 Top Tips from Olympic Great Masai Russell
1. Live a healthy lifestyle with healthy nutritional habits. Stay hydrated, keep your plate full of greens, protein, and carbs. I do this both on and off-season.
2. Get Enough Sleep. I get good rest leading up to the competition because sometimes the night before the competition I get anxious and jittery.
3. Never, Ever Give Up. You’re going to have more failures than you will have great moments. What you do with those failures is going to determine that great moment. Believe in yourself, and you’re going to be okay.
4. Make time for loved ones. I love going home to reconnect with my friends and family. We chill, go out to dinner, chat it up, and soak up each other’s energy.
5. Give Back. I am starting a foundation for the younger athletes in underserved communities. It starts with track camps and clinics. I want to help them, guide them, and inspire them.