Olympic champion Masai Russell fell agonisingly short of the women's 100m hurdles world record when she clocked 12.14s at the Xiamen Diamond League on Saturday. The American, who became the world's second-fastest woman in the event last year with 12.17s, led throughout the race but missed Tobi Amusan's 2022 world record of 12.12s by just 0.02s.
Nigeria's Amusan finished second, 0.14s behind Russell. 'I don't know when (the world record) is going to come but I keep getting closer and closer,' said Russell. 'I'm blessed, I'm ecstatic and all the hard work is truly showing.'
Earlier, 18-year-old Chinese thrower Yan Ziyi recorded the second longest javelin throw by a woman in history at 71.74m, setting an under-20 world record. Yan, who did not throw again after her first attempt, easily won the competition. 'I came to this event with the goal for 65m, so it really blew my mind to see that result,' she said.
In the men's 400m hurdles, Brazil's Alison dos Santos prevailed over Karsten Warholm, finishing in 46.72s. Kenya's Ferdinand Omanyala won the men's 100m in 9.94s, while Jamaica's Shericka Jackson cruised to victory in the women's 200m. Ethiopia's Addisu Yihune won the men's 5000m in 12min 57.32s, collapsing after the finish but confirming he was not seriously injured.
Three-time Olympic shot put champion Ryan Crouser finished third with 21.41m in his first major competition since winning the World Championship last year, as Jamaica's Rajindra Campbell threw 22.34m for his first Diamond League win.
