Olympic champion Masai Russell opens her season at Texas Relays, thanks the fans after win
Olympic champions Masai Russell and Gabby Thomas led wins Saturday on the final day of the Texas Relays, but there were notable wins by Texas athletes as well.
Competitors in the 3200-meter relay are reflected in water on the track after a rain delay on Saturday afternoon during the 98th Clyde Littlefield Texas Relays at Mike A. Myers Stadium in Austin, April 4, 2026. (Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman) After opening her outdoor season Saturday at the Texas Relays with a win in the 100-meter hurdles on at Mike A.
Myers Stadium, Masai Russell hustled back to the start line and began doing the rounds. Meeting fans one by one, the reigning Olympic champion and American record-holder in the high hurdles walked along the main grandstand, signing autographs and taking selfies for about 15 minutes. Her go-to move was a toothy smile and a peace sign.
“I understand these people look up to me,” said Russell, 25, who won an Olympic title in the 100-meter hurdles in 2024 in Paris. “They see me on YouTube, they see me online and they see me on TV. I feel like it’s important to connect with the people who support you.
” Olympic gold medalist Masai Russell poses for a photo after winning the invitational section of the 100-meter hurdles on Saturday afternoon during the 98th Clyde Littlefield Texas Relays at Mike A. Myers Stadium in Austin, April 4, 2026. (Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman) After an ankle injury last May limited her 2025 season for about two months — which came almost immediately after she set an American record in the 100-meter hurdles in 12.
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