The 2024 season has been full of ups and downs for Masai Russell. But she looked forward to contesting in her maiden Olympic berth at the French capital. Even though she wasn’t the favorite, the hurdler was confident as ever. It also helps that she set a world-leading time of 12.25 seconds at the U.S. Olympic trials. While many thought defending champion Jasmine Camacho-Quinn would walk away victorious, the 24-year-old left track and field fans amazed. 

With just 0.01 seconds separating the American and Cyrena Samba-Myela, Russell claimed her first Olympic gold with a blistering 12.33 seconds. But she isn’t ready to draw the curtains on this season just yet. With the Paris Olympics and Diamond League done and dusted, the Olympian contest at Athlos NYC on September 26. CITIUS MAG caught up with the 24-year-old before the event commenced.

Since the season commences by now, Masai Russell was asked if she had to work on her mindset before returning to the tracks. Turns out, that wasn’t the case at all. “Yeah. So for me, I always knew that the goal for me was being done in September 26.” The official Instagram page of the event announced her addition on September 5. Still riding the waves of her blissful stint in Paris, the hurdler seemed excited for the event.

The 100m hurdles Olympic gold medalist continued, “So, my mind was already set to that. So it hasn’t been too hard.” However, there was another factor Russell looked forward to. “Especially when they have the highest prize money ever at a meet outside of the World Championships, you know? It’s not too hard to stay focused on $60,000.” Athlos NYC has already been making waves due to focusing on bringing the focus back to the sport.

Apart from making the fan viewership more seamless, they became the highest-paid women’s track and field event. The league boasts a total prize pool of $500,000. The first-place winner gets to walk away with $60K. But everyone who contests will receive a massive cash prize. Silver place snags $25K, while the third-place finish will receive $10K. For the fourth, fifth, and sixth-place finishes, athletes get to take home $8K, $5K, and $2.5K, respectively. But her contention almost came across a blip. What was it?

Masai Russell wouldn’t compromise on one thing at Athlos NYC

Winning your first Olympic gold is always a big deal, and her tear-filled celebration was a testament to that. She then shifted her focus to the Zurich Diamond League. However, she couldn’t replicate the same result and had to settle for a third-place finish with 12.47 seconds on the clock. The hurdler trailed behind Camacho-Quinn and Samba-Mayela, who finished in 12.36 and 12.40 seconds, respectively. But she still seemed to be in high spirits.

Masai Russell showed off some dance moves to GloRilla’s TGIF during practice at Zurich. Athlos found Alexis Ohanian didn’t seem to be a fan. “There will be no dancing allowed @athlos !! @masai_russell,” he commented. As harsh as it sounds, the 24-year-old seemed unphased. She promptly responded, “I don’t think I’ll make it.” It looks like she takes dancing seriously.

But Ohanian dropped his rule from the event, “OK OK! You’re right. Walk-out songs WITH smoke and lights… And dancing.” Will we see some incredible moves after the 100m hurdles? We’re not too sure. But it does sound exciting. However, we can see that the 24-year-old is excited to be a part of the league. 

Masai Russell previously stated, “I just feel like the track is right at the door and I’m glad I can be a part of the history of these annual meets and events and broaden and increase the sport.” You can watch the Olympian contest on Youtube, X, ESPN, and DAZN at 23:30 GMT (19:30 EDT) on September 26. Will the hurdler walk away with $60,000 on Thursday? We will just have to wait and watch.