‘Titles Are The Most Important Thing’: Russell Wins Diamond League Final As Charlton Sets National Record

Masai Russell produced a winning performance on her first appearance in Brussels, claiming the women’s 100m hurdles Diamond League Final in a meeting record of 12.20 seconds on Saturday.

The American was delighted to add another major title to her collection, saying the result mattered more to her than the time.

‘Another win! I feel very blessed and thankful to keep collecting those, especially on my first time coming here in Brussels,’ Russell said. ‘The people were loud and electric! Titles are the most important thing: when you race to win, the time takes care of itself.”

Russell said winning the Diamond League Final ranks alongside major championship victories because of the pressure involved.

‘Winning a Diamond League Final is just as important as taking those big championship wins. Within the track and field space, those are the days when you really have to show up. I’m super happy to have done exactly that,’ she added.

Devynne Charlton finished second in a national record of 12.33 seconds, but was left to rue a mistake in the latter stages of the race. The Bahamian said her strong start had given her confidence that victory was within reach before she hit a hurdle.

‘I had an amazing start and I thought I was going to win. Unfortunately I hit a hurdle in the second half of the race, and that kicked me back a little bit and cost me the win,’ Charlton said.

Despite missing out on the title, Charlton was pleased with the national record and believes the performance has come at the right time ahead of the World Ultimate Championship.

‘That’s a shame, but I’m still happy with second place and mainly because I ran a National Record. The timing is great because the World Ultimate Championship is coming up,’ she said.

‘I’m confident that I will execute my race even better there. There will be two races and I have now a whole week to get ready.’