Zurich turned into a stage for history. In a stunning 40-minute spell at the Diamond League, Masai Russell and Alison dos Santos both shattered world records in the hurdles.
Russell struck first in the women’s 100m hurdles. The Olympic champion clocked 12.09 seconds, cutting 0.03 seconds from Tobi Amusan’s previous record.
Amusan had to settle for second, but the Nigerian still produced a season-best 12.23. European champion Nadine Visser completed the podium in 12.34.
For Russell, the moment carried more than a number on the clock. “When I saw 12.09 … I just got so emotional,” she said.
“I dreamed about this moment for so long,” Russell added. The roar from the crowd made it even more special for the American, who felt there was no better place to break the record.
Then came another shock.
Dos Santos stormed through the men’s 400m hurdles in 45.80 seconds. The Brazilian took 0.14 seconds off Karsten Warholm’s world record, set at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.
Warholm finished second in 46.69, while Nigeria’s Ezekiel Nathaniel took third in 47.50. The result ended Warholm’s five-year hold on one of athletics’ most demanding records.
Dos Santos credited major changes to his preparation. “We changed a lot of aspects of my training and racing,” the 2022 world champion said.
His approach was clear. He started faster and finished stronger, turning months of improved form into one unforgettable run.
Warholm, a two-time Olympic silver medallist, responded with class. After embracing Dos Santos, he said: “I have got to get back to the drawing board and do something else.”
