‘I’m Ready for Tokyo: Masai Russell Sends Warning Shot to Rivals After Blazing Win in Silesia
Olympic champion Masai Russell delivered a powerful statement at the Wanda Diamond League meeting in Silesia, Poland, storming to victory in the women’s 100m hurdles with a blistering 12.19 seconds — her second sub-12.20 performance of the season and a new Diamond League record, breaking Kendra Harrison’s 2016 mark of 12.20.
Russell’s win came against a stacked field, including Nigeria’s Tobi Amusan, who finished third in 12.25 seconds, and American Tonea Marshall, who clocked a personal best of 12.24 seconds to take second place.
The result further cements Russell’s status as the woman to beat heading into the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo next month, where she aims to add the world title to her Olympic crown.
Speaking after the race, Russell revealed the challenges she faced leading up to the meet:
‘It was amazing. My travel was so messed up, at first I did not want to race. I came two days ago, there were a lot of obstacles, but I stayed positive.’
Despite the disrupted travel and mental fatigue, Russell’s performance was nothing short of elite. Her 12.19s run now ranks among the fastest times in history, trailing only her own 12.17s North American record set earlier this season in Miami.
Looking ahead to Tokyo, Russell was unequivocal in her confidence:
‘I am definitely very confident going into Tokyo. I have to do this in September. After the Lausanne meeting I will go home and train for two weeks and then we will have a training camp near Tokyo for two weeks.’
Her words serve as a direct warning to contenders like Amusan, Danielle Williams, Ackera Nugent, and Nadine Visser — all of whom will be vying for podium spots in Tokyo. Russell’s blend of speed, resilience, and mental fortitude makes her a formidable force as she eyes the global crown.
The Lausanne Diamond League meet in four days will be Russell’s final tune-up before heading into a focused training block and pre-championship camp near Tokyo.
