06/22/2026
✨ YOUTH ULTIMATE WARRIOR CONTESTANT SPOTLIGHT ✨
AMAZING DAY RUSSELL
📍 Reno District
🎂 Age: 16
Amazing Day Zethyl Russell is the daughter of Sunny Day Real Bird and Abdel Russell and the granddaughter of Dr. Lanny Real Bird, Jeannie Grant, and the late Winfield and Zethyl Russell. She is Crow, Gros Ventre, and Northern Cheyenne, a member of the Piegan Clan, and a Child of the Big Lodge Clan. Her Apsaalooke name, Xappaalia Hisshe Bia (Red Medicine Woman), reflects the strength and identity she proudly carries.
Amazing Day currently serves as the 2026-2027 Miss Teen Montana State University and will begin her junior year at Lockwood High School this fall. She is deeply involved in academics, athletics, leadership, and community service.
Athletics play a major role in her life. She competes in cross country, volleyball, basketball, and track, and credits sports with teaching her discipline, perseverance, teamwork, and confidence. Beyond athletics, she serves on the Western Native Voice Student Advisory Board, advocating for Native youth and traveling to Washington, D.C. to share Native student perspectives and gain leadership experience. Following the Youth Ultimate Warrior Challenge, she will also be participating in an internship opportunity with the University of California, Berkeley.
When asked why she signed up for the Youth Ultimate Warrior Challenge, Amazing Day said she wanted to test her athleticism and challenge herself in a new way. She is most excited for the running and canoeing portions of the race and believes her strongest events will be running, canoeing, and overall endurance.
Her preparation has been nonstop.
"Honestly, all day, every day! Between running, riding horses, canoeing, strength training, and staying active through sports, it feels like my whole life has become training for this challenge."
For Amazing Day, being a Youth Ultimate Warrior means being a well-rounded Native athlete who is strong physically, mentally, spiritually, and culturally.
Competing on the historic grounds of the Battle of the Little Bighorn holds special significance.
"It is an honor to compete on the sacred grounds of the Battle of the Little Bighorn (Greasy Grass), where I can reflect on the strength and sacrifices of my ancestors while proudly representing my family, culture, and community."
Her culture inspires her to remember who she is and where she comes from, reminding her that every time she competes, she is representing not only herself but also her family and her people.
Her biggest role model is her grandfather, Dr. Lanny Real Bird, who has taught her the importance of hard work, perseverance, and staying connected to culture and identity.
Favorite Athlete: Billy Mills
Favorite Music Artist: SZA
Favorite Horse: Gold Surge
Favorite Food: Her Aunt Madonna's Pasta
Favorite Quote:
"Don't ever let anyone make you feel like you don't deserve what you want."
⚡ Rapid Fire Questions:
🌙 Early Bird or Night Owl: Night Owl
👟 Running Shoes or Cowboy Boots: Running Shoes
⛰️ Mountains or River: Mountains
🛶 Canoe or Horses: Canoe
🍂 Favorite Season: Fall
When asked what message she would share with younger youth looking up to her, Amazing Day said:
"You can do absolutely anything you put your mind to."
We are excited to watch Amazing Day bring her leadership, determination, athleticism, and warrior spirit to the 2026 Youth Ultimate Warrior Challenge!!!