Netflix’s Sprint Part 2 caused quite a stir as the two-part series focused mostly on Team USA’s track stars. The streaming giant’s decision to barely give screen time to gold medalists such as Letsile Tebogo earned them a huge backlash. However, as Masai Russell pointed out in the latest episode of the CITIUS MAG Podcast, Netflix didn’t do a stellar job covering U.S. track and field athletes either.

While discussing the 24-year-old’s Olympic medal-winning journey, host Chris Chavez couldn’t help but wonder how Netflix could’ve given fans a closer look at Russell. “It’s like Netflix missed out on like following you out for the whole season,” said Chavez, triggering a passionate response from the hurdler. “I know. I’m like, come on Netflix!” exclaimed the Olympic gold medalist.

“Everyone just has their own little season, with their own thing going on. But I think now, like the women’s hurdles, it’s the time to showcase all of our stories,” Masai Russell said on the podcast. The Washington native echoed the sentiments of the entire track and field, who lamented the exclusion of global stars and even some of the USA’s track stars.

McKenzie Long was one of those talents who didn’t earn their due. And while Netflix didn’t even contact Russell, they filmed the sprinter. “I was another who they had followed all post-collegiate… Was informed I wasn’t making the cuts in this season.” Long confessed on social media. Chris Chavez also pointed out another reason why Netflix should have covered Russell.

Many fans realized that the docu-series had a large focus on showcasing the rivals and the ups and downs of major stars such as Noah Lyles, Gabby Thomas, and others. Chaves pointed out how Masai Russell had her own ups and downs. The CITUS MAG founder was absolutely spot on as the 24-year-old narrowly missed out on a podium finish at the 2024 World Indoor Championships.

However, the former Bullis School athlete had a fairy tale ending, winning the U.S. trials just months later and then winning Olympic gold. Despite missing out on featuring on Sprint, Russell isn’t losing sleep over it. Instead, the rising star is looking forward to creating a legacy in the upcoming season.

Masai Russell is set to make her longtime dream a reality

After conquering the Olympic stage, the 100 m hurdles specialist is looking forward to returning to the track. Yet, there’s one event that already has the 24-year-old excited, and that’s the Millrose Games. Russell is set to compete in the 60 m hurdles at the 2025 Millrose game. “Last year I wasn’t able to be a part of [Millrose Games] because it was my first year on the professional circuit,” Russell explained.

Instead of the Millrose Games, the rookie focused on the US Championships. However, the event holds a special place in Masai Russell’s heart. “I ran there all four years when I was in high school as a Bullis athlete,” said the 100m hurdles gold medalist. As a high school athlete, Russell watched her seniors and the pros compete and envisioned herself in their place.

However, the track and field star probably didn’t imagine she’d race at Millrose not just as a pro but as the Olympic champion. “It’s definitely going to mean a lot to come back and I know the energy at that meet is just electric,” the athlete told the host. Meanwhile, the 2025 Millrose Games isn’t the only event she’s excited about in the upcoming season.

Masai Russell signed up for Michael Johnson’s venture as one of its growing list of stars. “Coming off the Olympics, I want to continue regularly competing at the highest level, against the best in the world, and I’m certain that Grand Slam Track is the place for that,” the 24-year-old said in her statement. It seems 2025 is going to be an exciting year for the young Olympic icon.