Masai Russell Recalls Tara Davis-Woodhall’s Inspiring Words Ahead of Olympic Finals: “You Already Know”

Masai Russell, at 24, will always remember 2024 as the year she truly arrived on the world stage. Following a ninth-place finish at the 2023 World Championships, Russell stunned the world by becoming the fastest woman in the 60m hurdles and clinching Olympic gold in Paris. However, her path to Olympic glory might have looked very different if not for the guidance and support of her more experienced roommate.

In less than a year, the rookie track and field athlete went from a promising prospect to the Olympic gold medalist. The Bullis High alumni’s mother credited “her ability to observe, learn, (and) work hard,” as the keys to the athlete’s success. However, Russell credited Tara Davis-Woodhall as her last-minute savior. So what did Davis-Woodhall do?

How Tara Davis-Woodhall’s six-word pep talk inspired Masai Russell

In her latest YouTube video, 60m hurdles gold medalist Masai Russell gave fans an exclusive tour of her brand-new home. To the delight of viewers, Olympic high jump champion Davis-Woodhall made a surprise appearance during a FaceTime call with Russell. As the camera shifted to show Davis-Woodhall on the screen, Russell shared how the 25-year-old had played a pivotal role in helping her overcome pre-race anxiety the night before her victorious finals.

“We had a picture of us from Olympic trials and it was a picture of our gold medals… Well, Tara printed it out and put it up in our room,” revealed Masai Russell. “This is the goal,” said Russell’s Olympic Village roommate. Yet, the night before Russell’s big day she couldn’t sleep. “She jumped on me and was like, ‘You already know what to do.'” revealed the hurdles specialist.

The duo hoped to repeat their gold medal success at the US Olympic Trials on the grandest stage. So when Tara Davis-Woodhall won her gold a day ahead of the 100 m hurdles finals, Russell was at once delighted and anxious. “That night of the final, I literally could not go to sleep,” said Masai Russell. Yet, resting before such a high-stakes race is crucial.

Tara Davis-Woodhall believed in her friend. So instead of a lengthy lecture about the impending finals, she simply asked Russell to believe in her skills. “And then boom! Then right after I won we both were calling each other on FaceTime with our gold medal,” revealed Masai Russell, calling it a “monumental” moment. However, the duo does have their differences.

Despite their similarities, the friends are at odds when it comes to an upcoming event

While Russell and Davis-Woodhall share the same mindset, they have recently landed on a point of contention. The issues started when Michael Johnson ruffled the entire track and field community’s feathers with a bold statement. “I think I can save track, but I don’t think I can save track and field,” the Olympic legend said while discussing Grand Slam Track.

While Johnson’s cause to alleviate the issue of low pay in professional track and field is noble, his statement didn’t sit well with many fans and athletes. Tara Davis-Woodhall took to social media with a direct message for the four-time Olympic gold medalist. “My sport doesn’t need saving at all. Michael, you’re ruining the sport if you’re trying to ‘save’ just track,” said Masai Russell’s good friend.

Johnson has limited the inaugural edition of Grand Slam Track (GST) to track events only. While he has expressed interest in including field events in future iterations, his decision has sparked criticism from field champions like Tara Davis-Woodhall. As a result, there’s a strong chance that Davis-Woodhall might opt out of GST, even if field events are eventually introduced.

Meanwhile, Russell sees Johnson’s venture as having a huge impact on the sport. “Want to continue regularly competing at the highest level, against the best in the world, and I’m certain that Grand Slam Track is the place for that,” said Masai Russell. While she made the statement in September, she has stayed tight-lipped about the recent controversy. However, no matter what they feel about Grand Slam Track, the Olympic champions remain close friends, and Russell doesn’t shy away from giving credit to Davis-Woodhall.