Olympic champion Masai Russell expressed her heartfelt appreciation for fellow hurdler Nia Ali in a touching birthday tribute, marking Ali’s 36th birthday on October 23. Despite their competitive rivalry, Russell celebrated Ali’s legacy and the mentorship she has provided over the years.
Russell, who recently won her first Olympic gold in Paris with a time of 12.33 seconds, shared a sincere message on her Instagram, highlighting her respect for Ali’s achievements and guidance. Ali, a distinguished athlete herself, won a silver medal in the 100m hurdles at the 2016 Rio Olympics and a gold at the 2019 World Championships.
In her tribute, Russell expressed gratitude for Ali’s support, writing, “To my mentor & someone I consider a real friend, happy birthday! I will always appreciate our talks and the guidance you’ve given me throughout my career… it never goes unnoticed!” She concluded with warm wishes, stating she looks forward to seeing Ali again.
The message comes after a recent competition at the U.S. Olympic Trials in June, where Russell secured her spot for the Paris Olympics by winning the 100m hurdles with a personal best of 12.25 seconds. Ali, with a season-best time of 12.37 seconds, finished just shy of Olympic qualification.
Russell emphasized the importance of Ali’s mentorship in her athletic development, noting Ali’s extensive experience. Although Russell typically prefers to seek guidance from those outside her event, she acknowledges Ali as an exception, describing the close bond they have developed since her college days. Russell remarked on Ali’s remarkable achievements, even while balancing family life, showcasing the impactful role Ali has played in her journey.