In a remarkable display of talent, Masai Russell clinched her first Diamond League Final title in the 100m hurdles, achieving this feat just nine days after breaking the world record in the event. Russell crossed the finish line in 12.20 seconds during the competition held in Brussels on Saturday, marking her return to the track following her record-setting performance of 12.09 seconds in Zurich on August 27.
With this victory, Russell joins an elite group of U.S. women who have accomplished the unique trifecta of holding an Olympic gold medal, a Diamond League season title, and a world record in the same event. She becomes only the third American woman to achieve this distinction in the 100m hurdles, following in the footsteps of Dalilah Muhammad and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, who have both excelled in the 400m hurdles.
This year, Russell has demonstrated exceptional consistency and skill, competing in seven Diamond League meets and breaking the meet record in each one. Her performance this season has solidified her status as a formidable competitor in the hurdles, setting the stage for her upcoming challenges.
Looking ahead, Russell is set to compete at the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest next weekend, which is anticipated to be the most significant meet of 2026. Fans can catch the action live on NBC Sports and Peacock, as top athletes from around the globe gather for this prestigious event.
In addition to Russell's triumph, the Diamond League Final also saw Kenny Bednarek secure his third consecutive season title in the 200m. Bednarek clocked a time of 19.62 seconds, matching the world’s best time for 2026 that he had set just a week prior in Zurich. The two-time Olympic silver medalist has had an impressive season, winning all four of his 200m races this year, with his only setbacks coming from runner-up finishes to Noah Lyles at both the U.S. and World Championships.
On Saturday, Bednarek outpaced Olympic gold medalist Letsile Tebogo of Botswana, who finished fourth with a time of 20.01 seconds. This victory marks the fourth consecutive time Bednarek has bested Tebogo in their head-to-head matchups. Both athletes are expected to face off again at the World Ultimate Championship, where Bednarek will look to continue his winning streak.
The field events also showcased American talent, with Hana Moll winning the pole vault and Monae' Nichols taking the long jump. Moll, a senior at the University of Washington, achieved a personal best of 4.91 meters, making her only the second American woman to win a Diamond League season title in pole vault, following the Olympic gold medalist Katie Moon, who finished fourth in this event. Moll and her twin sister Amanda now share not only a birthday but also a personal best in the pole vault, ranking them joint fourth on the U.S. all-time list.
Nichols, who finished sixth at the 2024 Olympics, leaped 6.91 meters to secure her victory, narrowly defeating Italian athlete Larissa Iapichino by five centimeters. Notably absent from the competition was Tara Davis-Woodhall, the Olympic and world champion, who is recovering from a concussion sustained in a car accident last week.
In the women's 100m, Jamaican sprinter Tina Clayton emerged victorious with a time of 10.93 seconds, showcasing an explosive start. Olympic silver medalist Sha'Carri Richardson finished third in 11.07 seconds, just behind British sprinter Amy Hunt. Neither 2024 Olympic gold medalist Julien Alfred nor 2025 World champion Melissa Jefferson-Wooden participated in this race, but both are expected to compete at the World Ultimate Championship alongside Clayton and Richardson.
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