Russell keen on breaking Amusan’s world record

Olympic champion Masai Russell has set her sights on breaking Tobi Amusan's women's 100m hurdles world record. Russell achieved the second-fastest time in history, clocking 12.14 seconds at the 2026 Xiamen Diamond League on Saturday. This performance also established a new United States record, falling just 0.02 seconds short of Amusan's world record mark.

This victory in Xiamen follows her win at the previous Diamond League meeting in Shanghai. Russell finished well ahead of Amusan, who recorded a season's best of 12.28 seconds for second place. Devynne Charlton of the Bahamas secured third place with a new national record of 12.37 seconds.

“

I’m ecstatic and all the hard work is truly showing. I’ve been saying all year that I’m going to break the world record. I don’t know when it’s going to come, but I keep getting closer and closer.

Speaking after the race, Russell expressed her excitement and stated that her recent performances are a testament to her effective preparations and consistent training. "I've been saying all year that I'm going to break the world record. I don't know when it's going to come, but I keep getting closer and closer," Russell told the Diamond League. She believes there is more to come as the championship season approaches, predicting even faster times.

“

It’s still early for me. Once we get into championship season, we’ll see some even crazier times, which is crazy to say.

Russell credits her significant improvement this season to enhanced consistency, growing confidence, and a more focused approach to competitions. "Just consistency and just believing that I am the best and one of the best hurdlers ever," she added. "I'm so focused. I'm so consistent this year. I feel like I'm just growing and learning every single time."

Amusan set the current world record of 12.12 seconds at the 2022 World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon, becoming Nigeria's first world champion in athletics.

“

Just consistency and just believing that I am the best and one of the best hurdlers ever. I’m so focused. I’m so consistent this year. I feel like I’m just growing and learning every single time.