The realm of track and field sports is not a bed of roses. It has its thorns. From time to time, the realm has seen a few big names who have landed a huge sponsorship deal or prize money. And there are several contests scheduled that would add big numbers to the purse. These championships are expected to revolutionize the athletic scene. However, a few athletes think that it is not the ripe time to count probabilities, as everything is on paper. As per them, the athletic world is still murky compared to other sports. Masai Russell is one of those voices. 

The reigning Olympic champion has seen it all in track and field sports—from grabbing the WWE NIL deal in her college career to competing in Athlos NYC, the first-ever women-only track contest. Therefore, her words stand to be a learning experience for all those who are thinking of joining the sport or NIL deals. Let’s have a better look at her statements. 

The track and field sports are not for all

Recently, Masai Russell sat down with Ryan Clark, Fred Taylor, and Channing Crowder to share her athletic experience so far. That included her Paris Olympics experience and her issues in sports. Naturally, in the conversation, the topic of earnings made an entry. Channing Crowder didn’t miss the moment. The former linebacker steadfastly disclosed, “My thing was all about money.” But Russell objected. She clarified that Crowder’s maxim would not work in track and field sports as “It’s not a high-paying sport; it’s not a highly watched sport like football or basketball.” Then what should drive any student to take up sports? The 24-year-old has vast experience in this subject. 

Coming from the University of Kentucky student-athlete program, Masai Russell has seen the emergence of the NIL (name, image, and likeness) deals in the NCAA. As per Oregon Live, Russell once secured more than 20 NIL deals from brands like WWE, Hulu, Walgreens, and Eastbay. So, for the budding athletes, the Olympic champion said, “Money’s always going to come if you’re doing what you love.” She additionally shared, “I think you just have to really love it, and that’s what I told anybody that comes into college, I’m like, you better love it, especially as a professional; you better love it because it’s going to be your full-time job.” Masai Russell presented an example to back up her claims, showing her financial independence because of her top preference for athletics and her ability to negotiate favorable bargains. But what about those who don’t have any idea regarding the deals? Masai Russell has this part sorted as well. 

Masai Russell stands for all the young female athletes 

At the Paris Olympics, Masai Russell stood tall, overcoming every hurdle—both literal and metaphorical—to claim gold in the 100-meter hurdles. It wasn’t just a race for her; it was a statement, a bold proclamation from a member of the rising class of young female athletes. In a post-race interview, the Potomac native shared her powerful message: “I just want every young girl to understand and know that if you believe in yourself, if you can see the work, day in and day out, there’s nothing that’s impossible for you.” Russell didn’t just speak these words; she lived them on the track, inspiring with every step. Her relentless dedication and sheer talent are evident in the impressive roster of endorsement deals she’s earned.

Following her victory, WWE was quick to send their congratulations. After all, Russell is no stranger to the wrestling world, having been one of the first track and field athletes to sign WWE’s inaugural NIL deals back in 2021. WWE sees something special in Russell—perhaps a future wrestling superstar. With the brand’s encouragement of its NIL athletes to consider stepping into the ring, the idea of seeing Russell transition from blazing the track to electrifying the WWE ring isn’t far-fetched. For an athlete who started from humble beginnings and dared to dream big, her journey is one that continues to captivate and inspire. Whether she decides to embrace the squared circle or not, the track and field community—and indeed the entire sports world—will be watching her every move.