A record falls in Zurich
American hurdler Masai Russell broke the women's 100-meter hurdles world record at the Diamond League meeting in Zurich on Thursday. Russell crossed the line in 12.09 seconds, improving the old mark by 0.03 seconds. The previous record had stood for years and was seen as one of the toughest in the sport.
The crowd at the Letzigrund Stadium rose to its feet as the time appeared on the board. Russell dropped to her knees, then pointed at the clock and waved to the stands. It was the first world record set at the Zurich meeting in a decade.
A race built on rhythm
Russell ran a clean race from the start. She cleared the first five hurdles without losing speed and pulled away over the final three. A slight headwind did not slow her down. Her coach said the performance came from a long-term plan built around strength and rhythm training.
“We stopped chasing times and started chasing rhythm,” the coach told reporters. “When the rhythm is right, the time follows.” Russell had hinted at record form earlier this season with a personal best in June, but few expected the mark to fall so soon.
What is next
Russell now heads into next month's world championships as the heavy favorite. Her main rivals will need to find a response, and the race in Zurich has raised expectations for a fast final in the championship.
For now, Russell is enjoying the moment. “I have dreamed of this since I was a little girl,” she said. “The work is not done, but tonight belongs to the dream.”