US’ Masai Russell breaks Amusan’s world record in women’s 100m hurdles

Masai Russell of the United States has shattered the women's 100m hurdles world record, previously held by Tobi Amusan, at the Zurich Diamond League meeting. Russell clocked an impressive 12.09 seconds, shaving off 0.03 seconds to overtake Amusan's record of 12.12 seconds, which had stood for four years. Amusan secured second place with a personal best of 12.23 seconds, while Netherlands' Nadine Visser came in third with 12.34 seconds, also a personal best.

Despite failing to secure victories in several high-profile races prior to the Zurich meet, including a third-place finish at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, Russell's performance was a fiercely contested duel between herself and Amusan. The American athlete had a slight edge off the starting block, but Amusan managed to catch up with Russell at the fourth hurdle and they were neck-and-neck until the seventh hurdle. It was then that Russell surged ahead, gaining another gear and finishing with the world-record time.

Russell has now become the first athlete in 28 years to hold both the world record and an Olympic gold medal in the women's 100m hurdles event. This season, Russell remains undefeated, triumphing in all seven Diamond League events she participated in.