Masai Russell, a 26-year-old hurdler from Washington, DC, shattered the women’s 100-meter hurdles world record with a stunning 12.09-second run at the Diamond League meet in Zurich on August 27, 2026. This remarkable performance eclipsed the previous record of 12.12 seconds set by Tobi Amusan in 2022.
A Record Run Under Perfect Conditions
The significance of Russell’s record was heightened by the conditions under which it was achieved: she completed the race without any wind assistance. Russell surged ahead of Amusan shortly after the 40-meter mark and maintained her lead through the finish line, while Amusan finished second with a time of 12.23 seconds.
Beyond breaking the world record, Russell has maintained an undefeated streak throughout the 2026 season, securing 11 consecutive victories. This feat also makes her the first female hurdler since 1988 to simultaneously hold Olympic gold and the world record in the 100-meter hurdles.
Earlier in the year, Russell clocked a 12.14-second run in Xiamen, which at the time was the second-fastest legal performance ever recorded in the event.
Looking ahead, Russell remains ambitious. She believes that with a legal tailwind, breaking the 12-second barrier is achievable—a milestone never before reached by any woman in the sport.