Two world records fall in hurdles at Zurich Diamond League

Two world records fell in less than 40 minutes at the Weltklasse Zürich Diamond League on Thursday, as Brazil's Alison dos Santos and American Masai Russell each rewrote the record books in the hurdles.

A Historic Night in Zurich

Dos Santos crossed the line in 45.80 seconds in the men's 400-meter hurdles, taking 0.14 seconds off the world record set by Norway's Karsten Warholm at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. Warholm, the previous record holder, finished second in 46.69, while Nigeria's Ezekiel Nathaniel placed third in 47.50.newsday+1

The 26-year-old Dos Santos, who won the 2022 world championship and earned Olympic bronze medals at both the Tokyo and Paris Games, had long been considered capable of challenging Warholm's mark. Thursday's performance confirmed that potential on one of track and field's biggest stages.tv5.espn

Russell Joins the Record-Breaking

Shortly after Dos Santos rewrote history, Russell delivered a record of her own in the women's 100-meter hurdles, clocking 12.09 seconds to shave 0.03 off the previous world record held by Nigeria's Tobi Amusan. Amusan finished second in a season-best 12.23, with European champion Nadine Visser third in 12.34.newsday

Russell, the reigning Olympic champion, had entered the meet as the clear favorite in the event and ran a near-flawless race to claim the record.

A Rare Double Record Night

Back-to-back world records at the same meet are uncommon in modern track and field. The Weltklasse, long regarded as one of the premier events on the Diamond League calendar, has now added another chapter to its history. The performances by Dos Santos and Russell underline the depth and speed in both hurdles disciplines heading into the 2027 World Athletics Championships in Beijing.