The Prefontaine Classic Adds World’s Best for Women’s 100m Hurdles

Olympic Gold Medalist Masai Russell to Headline Event

The 50th edition of The Prefontaine Classic has added one of the deepest events in the world to the meet’s program, the Women’s 100m Hurdles. The event is set to be headlined by reigning Olympic gold medalist and American record-holder Masai Russell (USA).

Russell etched her name in history books last  summer, running 12.33 seconds at the Stade de France for golden glory in the deepest Women’s 100m Hurdles final ever assembled at an Olympic Games. Russell continued making history in May of this year, running an American-record 12.17 seconds – the second-fastest time ever run in the history of the 100m Hurdles. Three of Russell’s ten fastest times in the event have been achieved at Hayward Field. Russell’s record-breaking current best time is just .05 seconds off the current world record, held by fellow Pre Classic Women’s 100m Hurdles competitor Tobi Amusan (NGR).

Amusan’s world record was run at Hayward Field during the 2022 World Athletics Championships, shaving over one-tenth off her then-personal best to achieve the historic mark. In addition to the fastest-ever mark and World Athletics gold, Amusan has three Diamond Trophies to her name. Three of Amusan’s ten fastest marks have also been run  at Hayward Field.

Joining Russell and Amusan in the starting blocks will be two-time Olympic medalist Jasmine Camacho-Quinn (PUR). Camacho-Quinn brought home bronze from the Paris Olympic Games, where she ran 12.36 seconds, as well as gold from the Tokyo Olympic Games, where she ran 12.37 seconds. Camacho-Quinn also owns two World Athletics Championships medals and one Diamond Trophy. Her personal best in the event, 12.26 seconds run in 2021, is the Puerto Rican national record. Camacho-Quinn is currently ranked first in the world for the Women’s 100m Hurdles.

The 50th edition of The Prefontaine Classic will be held on Saturday, July 5 at Hayward Field at the University of Oregon. Lexus Legacy Experience VIP packages, which can be purchased in addition to an event ticket, are on sale now. The Prefontaine Classic will be broadcast live on NBC Sports and Peacock.