'I didn't even know I had it' — American sprint legend recounts finding out Masai Russell broke her U.S Trials record

Retired American sprint legend Gail Devers has recently opened up about learning that her longstanding US Trials record in the women’s 100m hurdles had been broken by Olympic champion Masai Russell

In a recent interview on thepodcast with former American sprinter Justin Gatlin and Rodney Green, Devers recounted the exact moment the news was broken to her

“Records are made to be broken,” Devers reflected clearly hinting that she was unbothered and was happy for Russell

American hurdler Masai Russell has exposed the intense physical and psychological toll faced by college athletes, emphasizing inadequate support and compensation and calling for urgent changes to protect athletes' well-being.

“It’s supposed to go down. You’re supposed to put something out there for others to shoot at, and they are supposed to come get it and that’s what she did.”

Russell stormed to a remarkable 12.25 second finish at the U.S. Olympic Trials shattering the previous record held by Devers.

The former Olympian revealed that the news came from a group of high school students she coaches, who enthusiastically messaged her upon hearing her name mentioned as the former record-holder

“I didn’t even know I had it,” Devers admitted with a laugh, adding, “That’s what we train for. You train for something out there to aim at, and that’s a record.”

Her response revealed both her humility and the excitement she feels when younger athletes achieve their dreams

Olympic champion Masai Russell has called for more visibility on track and field, highlighting the challenges that track athletes face when major track events like Olympics isn't around the corner.

While she wasn’t aware of holding the record, she expressed admiration for Russell’s determination and the inspiration her success would bring to others.

“She was shooting for a time, and she got it. That should inspire somebody else to go and get it,” Devers remarked.