Masai Russell breaks Amusan’s World Record as Nigerian finishes second in Zurich

American hurdler Masai Russell shattered Tobi Amusan's world record in the women's 100m hurdles during the Zurich Diamond League on Thursday, PUNCH Sports Extra reports. Russell ran a remarkable 12.09 seconds, outpacing Amusan's previous record of 12.12 seconds, which she set in the 2022 World Championships. The 26-year-old Russell finished ahead of Amusan, who placed second with a time of 12.23 seconds.

Amusan's quick start in the race was no match for Russell's pace after the 40-meter mark, allowing her to cross the finish line in 12.09 seconds. Nadine Visser secured the third position with a season-best time of 12.34 seconds. Before Russell's achievement, Amusan had held the world record since 2022, but her 12.09 performance in Zurich now makes her the record holder.

Russell joins two other fastest women in the event. The two hurdlers will collide once again at the Diamond League Final in Brussels, Belgium, from September 4 to 5. Meanwhile, Brazil's Alison dos Santos also broke the men's 400m hurdles world record with a time of 45.80 seconds, beating Tokyo 2025 silver medallist Karsten Warholm.

The global athletics calendar will conclude with the Diamond League Final in Brussels and the World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest.