‘I Think It’s Quite Possible to Go Under 12 Seconds’: Russell Eyes History Ahead of Monaco Diamond League

Olympic champion Masai Russell believes the women’s 100m hurdles could soon witness its first sub-12-second performance as she prepares to compete at Friday’s Diamond League meeting in Monaco.

The American sprint hurdler said advances in training, greater competition and continued personal development make the historic barrier an achievable target in the coming years.

“I think it’s quite possible to go under 12 seconds,” Russell said ahead of the Monaco meeting.

“I know that I’m still very young, that I’m still building myself, getting stronger and learning. When I’m 28, 29 or 30 years old, and I’m even stronger, faster and more experienced, I think we’ll start to see times of just 12 seconds, or even 11.9 seconds.”

Russell also believes the women’s 100m hurdles is enjoying a period comparable to the golden era of the men’s 100m sprint during Usain Bolt’s dominance.

“This can be explained by the evolution. When there are a lot of fast athletes at the same time, fast times become more common,” she said.

“We learn more, we have more resources, and our knowledge grows. When Usain Bolt was running, the men’s 100m was in its golden age. I have the feeling that we are currently living in this golden age in the 100m hurdles.”

The American arrives in Monaco in outstanding form and is confident she can lower the meeting record of 12.30 seconds, set by fellow American Nia Ali.

“I think I can take care of it,” Russell said.

“Every time I’ve raced this year, I’ve broken the meeting record. We are simply going to break all records. I don’t chase times, I chase wins, and wins come with fast times.”

Russell will be among the headline attractions at the Monaco Diamond League as she looks to continue her impressive season and strengthen her status as one of the world’s leading sprint hurdlers.