The 2025 track and field season started like a dream for Olympic champion Masai Russell. Back in February, she stormed to victory in the women’s 60m hurdles at the prestigious Millrose Games, clocking an electric 7.76 seconds—a world lead at the time. She outpaced big names like Grace Stark and Devynne Charlton, sending a clear message: the queen of hurdles wasn’t slowing down anytime soon.

But Masai wasn’t done. Just days later, at the US Indoor Championships, she shaved off another 0.02 seconds from that time, setting a new personal best. The fairy tale was written itself—gold, glory, and a streak of dominant performances. But when the season transitioned outdoors, the plot took an unexpected twist. Enter Grand Slam Track—the much-hyped new professional league where Russell was expected to shine. Instead, she stumbled. In both of the league’s early episodes, she finished fifth in the women’s 100m hurdles—not once, but twice. It was a stunning fall from the top in the very event where she had claimed Olympic gold just nine months prior.

Then came the Tom Jones Memorial. The showdown between Russell and her fiercest rival, Grace Stark, promised fireworks. And it delivered—but not in Masai’s favor. Stark edged her out in a thrilling finish, relegating Russell to second place. The sparkle of her indoor dominance seemed to flicker. So what’s behind the sudden shift in fortunes? Former sprint king Justin Gatlin weighed in on the latest episode of the Ready Set Go podcast. And while he acknowledged the setbacks, his faith in Masai remains unshaken.

“I feel like Maasai’s going to leave Gainesville and she’s going to look at that race, her and her coach, and they’re going to break down exactly where the loss was and how to fix that. And then Maasai’s going to come back,” Gatlin said. Some words of belief from the legend! However, there were more from Gatlin for Russell. 

The Olympic men’s 100m champion further noted, “We’re still early in the season. 12.5, 12.6, not shabby at all, right? So I think that’s something that you’re really going to have to really focus on and not say, ‘hey, we’re going to hang the hat on this person because they’re dominating right now.’ Because we know in the women’s 100-meter hurdles, it can shift real quick. Somebody tomorrow can drop a 12.4, and now, here we are, ‘hey, if I run a 12.4s, then they’re going to start running 12.3s, and then now the world record is in sight once again.’” Masai will have chances, and she has almost the entire season in front of her to achieve her target. Will she be able to do that? Well, her mindset is that of a champion. Want evidence?. 

Masai Russell explains the maxim that keeps her motivated 

After clinching the women’s 60m hurdles title at the 2025 US Indoor Championships, Masai Russell didn’t just walk away with a medal—she left fans with a window into the mind of a champion. In a refreshingly honest post-race interview, the Olympic gold medalist opened up about her raw, in-the-moment approach on the track. “I mean, honestly, I’m just like in the when I’m competing, I’m just like trying to get to the line,” Russell said, her voice filled with emotion. “ I’m not really thinking about my goal, like I’m behind, I’m behind, I’m just like keep running until you finish and then you see where the cards fall, so that’s just kind of my mindset. And like I said, when I see my name come up number one, I was just elated.” It’s a simple yet powerful mantra—run with heart, trust the process, and let the results speak.

And if there’s anyone who truly believes that Masai Russell is only scratching the surface of her greatness, it’s her coach, the legendary Debbie Ferguson-McKenzie. In a clip shared earlier this year, Ferguson-McKenzie beamed with pride as she echoed a sentiment that’s becoming a rallying cry for Team Russell.

“This is just the beginning,” Russell declared. That’s why I say everybody. The Olympic gold was just the beginning.” For Masai, the medals are milestones, not destinations. Her indoor dominance and outdoor growing pains are all part of a larger journey. And with a mindset that balances humility, hunger, and the heart of a warrior, she’s making it clear: she’s not done. Not even close. Now, stay tuned. Because if this is just the beginning, the best of Masai Russell is still on its way.