Minneapolis, MN. – June 25, 2026 – Marquel Russell of Topeka, KS broke two records at the Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota. On June 24, Russell broke the record for Running Long Jump. He hit 5.71m during his final, beating out the previous record of 5.66m held by Kamron Elkins of Arkansas in 2022. On June 25, he ran 11.87 in the 100M. This time beats the previous record of 11.9 held by Richard Smikle of Jamaica. He is taking two gold medals back to Kansas with him.
During his preliminary round on June 23, he hit 6.16m in the running long jump. On June 24 in his preliminary round for his 100M, he ran a 11.94. These times put him on the radar for potentially breaking both records and he did it. He’s been training hard by himself and with his coaches for over a year in all his events, which include the 100M, 200M, and the Running Long Jump.
“I can’t describe how I feel,” Russell said after jumping. “I can’t put the feelings into words.”
This is his first record to hold, but he is no stranger to the track. In high school, Russell took the state championship his senior year in the 110M hurdles, competing against athletes without intellectual disabilities. This is a whole new level of competition for him and his first time competing at the Special Olympics USA Games.
“Going to the USA Games means the world to me,” he said. “I get to represent Kansas but most of all, I get to do what I love to do, Track and Field.”
Russell will compete in the 200M race on June 26 and is in range to break that record as well.
