Masai Russell (Junior, Bullis)
The other outstanding long-sprint/mid-distance runner in the class of 2018, Russell turned in one of the best performances of the indoor season at last year's Montgomery Invitational when she beat Nyjari McNeil in the 500 with what was then a US #1 time of 73.72. What made the feat even more remarkable was her revealing that she had barely run in the weeks leading up to the race while dealing with a nagging injury that restricted her almost entirely to pool workouts.
By the end of the season Russell had clocked MD #1 times in both the 300 (39.42) and 500. While kept out of Bullis' outstanding 4x400 relay throughout most of the winter to help her recover, she would become an integral part of the juggernaut that placed fifth at both the Penn Relays and New Balance Outdoor Nationals. With a healthier winter she could drop even faster times than she did last season as a sophomore.
WATCH Russell set the PG Sportsplex track on fire with what was a US #1 time in the 500 at the Montgomery Invitational!