Grand Slam Track: Russell closes in on Amusan’s World 100m hurdles record with 12.17 finish in Miami; Ofili third in 100m with 10.94
Olympic 100m hurdles champion, Masai Russell stormed to a 12.17 seconds finish to win the high hurdles at the Grand Slam Track in Miami on Friday.
The time is the fastest in history by an American and second fastest worldwide after Nigeria’s Tobi Amusan’s 12.12 run at the World Athletics Championships in Oregon, USA three years ago.
Russell fended off a fierce challenge from compatriot Tia Jones, who ran a lifetime best 12.19 for second while Jamaica’s Ackera Nugent came in third in 12.34.
Kendra Harrison, whose 12.20 World record Amusan broke in 2022 finished fourth in 12.40 with 2020 (2021) Olympic bronze medallist Megan Tapper of Jamaica fifth (12.50).
Amusan will have a chance to respond to the fast times recorded in Miami when she takes to the track at the Diamond League meeting in Keqiao, China on Saturday.
The Nigerian opened her season with a 12.74 personal season’s best but has now been challenged to respond.
Meanwhile, Favour Ofili was third in the 100m race at the same event in Miami.
The Nigerian, who opened her 100m season with 10.99 late last month ran inside 11 seconds for the second time in a row albeit her time was aided by a ++2.4ms tail wind.
American duo of Melissa Jefferson-wooden (10.75) and Tamara Davis () came in first and second respectively.
For her effort, Ofili has garnered six points and will hope to win the 200m event to stand a chance of going home with the $100,000 top prize money on offer.
