

“For me personally and mentally, I like to take a break before, like, spinning it up again,” Masai Russell said after winning her first US Indoor title in the 60m hurdles, finishing in 7.74 seconds. Now, heading towards the Grand Slam Track, Russell is all geared up for the 100 m hurdles. But before she makes her debut in GST, let’s take you through her pillar of strength.
Like every other parent, Mark and Sharon Russell have also been Masai’s unwavering support system, guiding her through the highs and lows of her career. From her early days on the track to winning national titles, they played a vital role in her successful journey. So, what do we know about Masai Russell’s parents?
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Who is Masai Russell’s father?
Masai Russell’s father is Mark Russell, who resides in Potomac, Maryland. Being a father, Mark has always supported Masai, but professionally, he serves as the CEO of his wife’s medical practice, the Maryland Oral Surgery Group. And did you know that Mark was also Russell’s first track coach? Yep, he was.

Along with the immense support, Mark made unsaid sacrifices to support Masai’s career. Though Mark is not a public figure, he came to light when, in January 2025, Masai publicly celebrated his father’s birthday and thanked him for all of his sacrifices and support. As per Montgomery Magazine, Masai said about her father, “He played a tremendous role in my track career.” She further added, “He’s really the one that made it happen on the track.” And like Mark, his wife and Masai’s mother have also been the force behind her.
Who is Masai Russell’s mother?
Masai Russell’s mother is Sharon Russell, who is an oral and maxillofacial surgeon professionally but has always been there for her daughter. “Both of my parents played a major role in my life throughout my career,” Russell once said. Being a doctor and a mother, Sharon helped Masai in managing her Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals.

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As Masai revealed on “The It Girls” podcast, “I just want to shout out to my mom, too, because she was right there with me. She’s a doctor, but she was reading my contracts for me, doing everything.” Masai further added, “You would think that she was a lawyer, and she was; she was doing her big one. And then the money just started flowing in.”
When Masai decided to concentrate on creating a lasting impression during her sporting career, Sharon urged her to think about her legacy. Sharon has been an unwavering supporter of Masai throughout her journey, making a substantial contribution to her daughter’s success on and off the track. That being said, let’s talk about the nationality of Masai’s parents.
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What is Masai Russell’s parents’ nationality?
Being a native of Maryland, Masai Russell’s parents, Mark and Dr. Sharon Russell, are American nationals. Though both of them keep themselves away from the public eye, both of them have always been there for each other through thick and thin.
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Would Masai Russell have reached her heights without her parents' sacrifices and guidance?
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