by Larry EderIf one spends a few moments checking out the Starting lists for the Lievin-2022-Media-Information-Sheets.pdf, one will see that one Grant Holloway, World indoor record holder in the 60m hurdles (7.29), will be in lane 4 of heat 2.
Why should that matter?
Well, dear reader, read on, because this track enthusiast, sitting at his computer in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, at 2 am local time, with ice and snow coming down outside of his farm house, believes that this could be THE race of the World Indoor Tour.
Grant Holloway, 2021 U.S. Olympic Trials, photo by @Kevmofoto
Now, gentle readers, I know that I am, at times, overcome by hyperbole.
And can you blame my overly enthusiastic comments in this world indoor track season?
We have had some crazy fast times, some exciting, down to centimeter races, and some athletes looking to make a few statements this year!
One of the athletes who is competing this coming evening is Grant Holloway. Grant is the silver medalist from the 2021 Tokyo Olympics in the 100m hurdles, perhaps one of the big upsets of the Olympics. Truth is, Hansle Parchment taught Grant a big lesson. No one in an Olympic final can be not considered. Hansle, an Olympic medalist who felt his time was there, caught Grant in a less than perfect moment.
Grant Holloway, 2021 U.S. Olympic Trials, photo by @Kevmofoto
The classy thing about Grant Holloway was that he took the Olympic medal, knowing that he would have to wait until Paris 2024 to avenge his loss. Grant showed class. In a presser at the New Balance Indoor GP on February 5, Grant noted that one must be ready to compete in each and every race in athletics, this is not professional wrestling, this is a sport.
At the New Balance Indoor GP, Grant Holloway had an excellent start and put at least one hurdle between him and the field, running a WL 7.37.
In heat one, Andy Pozzi, WIC 2018, and Pasqual Martinot Lagarde, European silver indoors 2019, and Jarret Eaton, WIC 2018 silver plus Decathlon WR holder Kevin Mayer.
In heat two, one side of Grant Holloway is Daniel Roberts, and on the other side, Wilhelm Belocian, 2021 European Indoor Champion. Grant Holloway will have two athletes pushing him.
With Holloway, it is all about his start and how focused he is. I have not seen Grant Holloway run an unfocused race. So, how fast can Grant Holloway go now?
I would not be surprised if we see a 7.27 in the Meeting de Lieven!
In his interview prior to the Meeting de Lieven, Grant answered 7 questions, here’s how he puts his thoughts, and focus on all relevant topics:
1. How does Grant place his experience in Tokyo?
” At the Olympics, I was defeated by Hansle Parchment. It’s sports, I didn’t show up, but I was not disappointed. I took home a medal. We can’t keep talking about the Olympics. Now it’s a new season. I am ready to defend my title here in Lievin. I am really looking forward to competing. I take it to step by step.”
2. How does Grant look at his 2021 season?
“2021 was a breakthrough year for me. I opened my season as fast as last year. My first race felt great, a little sloppy at one point. But it was a great way to start the season. The steps to running fast are lining back up. I will need to have laser-sharp focus at every meeting to keep continuing the dream I am living.”
3. Did Grant change anything after Tokyo?
“Since the Olympics, I did not do any changes in my training preparation, same coach, same team. I am eager to tackle this 2022 season as a whole and use the last season as momentum. The goal is to stay sharp for the World Indoors, to continue getting better each day leading up to Belgrade.”
4. What is Grant’s take on Lieven?
“Lievin always feels great. Last year there were no fans. I am excited to see again the love that European fans bring to the track. In Europe the hospitality is always great. Coming back to Lievin is a great feeling. I am excited to run. My body feels great. As athletes we are looking forward to getting out there and have some fans. It’s exciting to showcase your talent in front of 5000 fans.”
Grant Holloway, 2021 U.S. Olympic Trials, photo by @Kevmofoto
5. What are Grant’s plans for indoors 2022?
“My next competitions are Lievin and Birmingham before heading back to the US for the trials. The plan is already out, now we only have to execute it.”
6. How does Grant view the World Championships coming to Eugene, Oregon in July 2022?
“Some people may say having the Worlds at home may be an advantage, some will say it’s a disadvantage. I am excited that it’s on home soil. It’s gonna be a great feeling to have the Worlds in the US.”
7. Will Grant consider running the 4x100m and 4x400m?
“I am up to running other distances like the relays, but it’s up to the federation to choose. I would love to run a 100 and 400m, to prove the world. Just being an athlete in a sport you love, makes it so special for us.”
If you want to see more on Grant Holloway, please check out our #Socialing the Distance interview from 2021! Check out this! https://www.runblogrun.com/2021/10/socialing-the-distance-with-larry-eder-featuring-grant-holloway-110m-hurdle-indoor-world-record-hold.html
