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Masai Russell Smashes 100m Hurdles World Record in Zurich

From The Punch · () English

Translated from English and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • American hurdler Masai Russell set a new world record in the women's 100m hurdles, clocking 12.09 seconds at the Zurich Diamond League.
  • Russell's performance surpassed Tobi Amusan's previous record of 12.12 seconds, with Amusan finishing second in the race.
  • The Olympic champion also holds the American record and is ranked No. 1 globally in the event.

Masai Russell has claimed the women's 100m hurdles world record, running a blistering 12.09 seconds at the Zurich Diamond League. The American athlete shaved 0.03 seconds off the previous record held by Nigeria's Tobi Amusan, who finished second in the race with a season's best of 12.23 seconds.

flawless run

— World AthleticsDescribing Masai Russell's performance over the barriers in the Zurich race.

This victory makes Russell the new world record holder, American record holder, and the fastest woman ever recorded in the 100m hurdles. World Athletics has officially listed Russell's 12.09 as the new world record, achieved at Zurich's Letzigrund stadium on August 27, 2026.

Russell, born on June 17, 2000, is an Olympic champion and currently ranked No. 1 in the world. Her journey to the top included a standout collegiate career at the University of Kentucky, where she was an 11-time All-American. She secured NCAA silver medals in the 100m hurdles, 400m hurdles, and 4x100m relay in 2023, alongside an NCAA Indoor 60m hurdles runner-up finish and an SEC Indoor 60m hurdles title.

The performance made Russell the new world record holder, American record holder and the fastest woman ever recorded in the 100m hurdles.

— World AthleticsStating the significance of Russell's record-breaking run.

Her record-breaking performance in Zurich was anticipated, following her 12.14-second run in Xiamen, China, in May 2026, which was then the second-fastest time in history and an American and Diamond League record. That performance had already placed her within striking distance of Amusan's record, signaling her imminent challenge.

Russell’s world record in Zurich was not entirely unexpected.

— World AthleticsCommenting on the lead-up to Russell's new world record.
About this summary

Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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