How Masai Russell is “still able to be a kid” as she succeeds in the senior ranks of track & field
While it’s business as usual on the track, away from the stadiums, Russell is a social media phenomenon.
The Washington, D.C. native has accrued over 800,000 followers on TikTok and is also active on Facebook, where she showcases her fun-loving personality.
As well as connecting with fans, Russell sees her social media activities as a way of sharing her journey in her own voice — and she’s not one to shy away from the camera.
“I think I do appreciate being able to tell people about my story, and I like to tell people about who I am, and the journey, the goal, where I’m going and where I’ve come from,” she said.
“I’ve always gravitated to the camera. I have videos on my Facebook where I’m calling myself out, videos of me on Facebook, just like dancing, singing, doing whatever, like I just always loved the camera.”
Even as an Olympic gold medallist and the second-fastest 100m hurdler in history, Russell is determined to keep the childlike joy she felt on her journey to the top.
“I don’t think I’ll ever grow up. I’m like, ‘I just turned 25, am I ever gonna grow up? Am I ever gonna stop having sleepovers with my friends? Am I ever gonna stop these things?’ But I’m like, ‘no, it’s just who I am.’”
“I wanted to step out into adult life while still being able to be a kid at the end of the day, you know? You have to have a good balance of both.”