Masai Russell, eyeing $60,000 prize, talks about Athlos goals: 'I always knew it'

The 2024 season was full of ups and downs for Masai Russell. But she was looking forward to taking her first Olympic berth in the French capital. Although she wasn't the favorite, the hurdler was as confident as ever. It also helps that she set a world-best time of 12.25 seconds at the U.S. Olympic Trials. While many thought defending champion Jasmine Camacho-Quinn would emerge victorious, the 24-year-old was eliminated athletics Fans amazed.

With just 0.01 seconds separating the American and Cyrena Samba-Myela, Russell secured her first Olympic gold with an incredible 12.33 seconds. But she's not ready to raise the curtain on this season just yet. After the Olympic Games in Paris and the Diamond League are over, the Olympic competition at Athlos NYC is coming up on September 26th. CITIUS MAG met with the 24-year-old before the event began.

As the season begins now, Masai Russell was asked if she needed to work on her mindset before getting back on the track. Turns out that wasn't the case at all. “Yes. As for me, I always knew that The goal for me was will be done In September 26th.” The event's official Instagram page announced their new addition on September 5th. The hurdler, still riding the waves of her blissful stay in Paris, appeared to be looking forward to the event.

The Olympic 100m hurdles champion continued: “So, My mind was already made up in addition. So it wasn’t too hard.” However, there was another factor Russell was looking forward to. “Especially when they have the highest prize money ever at a non-World Cup meet, you know? It’s not too hard to focus on $60,000.” Athlos NYC has already turned heads for its focus on bringing the focus back to sports.

Aside from making fan viewership more seamless, they also became the highest-paying women's track and field event. The league has a total prize pool of $500,000. The first place winner will receive $60,000. But everyone who participates will receive a huge cash prize. Silver place will receive $25,000, while third place will receive $10,000. For fourth, fifth and sixth place, athletes can take home $8,000, $5,000 and $2.5,000, respectively. But her claim almost suffered an incident. What was it?

Masai Russell wouldn't compromise on one thing at Athlos NYC

Winning your first Olympic gold is always a big deal, and her tearful celebration was proof of that. She then shifted her focus to the Zurich Diamond League. However, she was unable to repeat the same result and had to settle for third place with 12.47 seconds on the clock. The hurdler fell behind Camacho-Quinn and Samba-Mayela, who finished in 12.36 and 12.40 seconds, respectively. But she still seemed to be in high spirits.

Masai Russell showed off some dance moves GloRilla's TGIF during the internship in Zurich. Athlos noted that Alexis Ohanian apparently wasn't a fan. “No dancing will be allowed @athlos!! @masai_russell,” he commented. As harsh as it may sound, the 24-year-old seemed unfazed. She replied promptly: “I don’t think I can do it.” It looks like she is taking dancing seriously.

But Ohanian relinquished his reign from the event, “OK OK! You are Right. Walk-out songs WITH smoke and lights…and dancing.” Will we see some incredible moves after the 100m hurdles? Was not entirely sure. But it sounds exciting. However, we can see that the 24-year-old is looking forward to being part of the league.

Masai Russell previously explained: “I just feel like the track is right on my doorstep And I am happy that I can be part of the history of these annual meetings and events and expand and strengthen the sport.” You can watch the Olympic competition on September 26 at 11:30 p.m. GMT (7:30 p.m. EDT) on YouTube, X, ESPN and DAZN. Will the hurdler walk away with $60,000 on Thursday? We will Only will have to wait and watch.