The 110m hurdle final in Doha was, well, carnage. Two veterans and one first timer took medals. The bronze medalist was France’s Pascal Martinot Lagarde, who, instead of a ‘chocolate medal’ took the bronze medal. In silver, Sergey Shubenkov ran his race and took the second position. And in gold, was the one and only Grant Holloway. Orlando Ortega, after the protest, was given third place (a second bronze in one race).
What was the same about the medalists? In each case, as Omar McLeod, who hit the last 4 hurdles and obstructed Orlando Ortega, Grant Holloway focused on being the first guy to get across the line. That is the name of the game. Shubenkov came close as did Martinot Lagarde.
Before the carnage, Grant Holloway pursues his gold, photo by PhotoRun.net
The day belonged to Grant Holloway, who, capped the 42 events he did in 2019, with a win in the big one, the Doha World Championships.
Grant Holloway was the focus of much interest as manager John Regis found the amazing athlete a sponsor. adidas wisely invested in the young Gator grad, and this writer believes that they got their money’s worth. Grant Holloway is the ‘real thing’ (sorry Coca-Cola).
Grant Holloway keeping it Gator, photo by PhotoRun.net
Who is Grant Holloway? The most talented, spirited and focused hurdler that we have seen in a generation. Grant thanked his competitors and noted that he would not be there without them. The lessons this young man teaches by example are endless. He thanks his parents, coaches, his girlfriend. Meeting his smiling parents prior to the interview at the adidas HQ in Doha was memorable. This young man is loved and he shows it.
Enjoy the interview. Grant Holloway has miles to go before he retires. He has dreamed of Olympic gold since he was a child. Special thanks to Manager John Regis, who always makes me both laugh and think, Spencer Nel, adidas, who signed the athlete, for supporting the young man, and my son, Adam Johnson-Eder for getthing me there on time, and recording the video (posting soon). Audio Production was done by my dear brother, Brian Eder, who, like my son, has been on this journey for much of our lives.
Listen to this interview close, as there are big lessons for coaches and athletes.
Grant Holloway is one of those athletes who reminds me that the biggest assert of our sport is our athletes.
