Masai Russell Breaks Tobi Amusan's 100m Hurdles Record

Masai Russell set a new world record in the 100m hurdles by clocking 12.09 seconds at the Zurich Diamond League on August 27, 2026, surpassing Tobi Amusan's previous record of 12.12 seconds. World Athletics reported that Russell executed a "flawless run," earning her the title of the fastest woman ever recorded in the event.

Tobi Amusan, the Olympic champion, finished second with a season's best time of 12.23 seconds, while Nadine Visser of the Netherlands placed third in 12.34 seconds. Russell, born on June 17, 2000, is a 26-year-old American athlete from Upper Marlboro, Maryland, and currently ranks No. 1 in the world for the women's 100m hurdles.

She gained prominence after winning gold at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Russell's collegiate career at the University of Kentucky included being an 11-time All-American and setting the collegiate 100m hurdles record at 12.36 seconds in 2023.

Her record-breaking performance in Zurich followed a close attempt of 12.14 seconds in May 2026.