by Deji Ogeyingbo
Grant Holloway- king of the hurdles
Sometimes we just have to sit back and enjoy greatness in sporting terms when it’s glaring in front of our eyes. There might be a tendency to get accustomed to seeing records fall all the time or an athlete make winning look like a cake walk. Some get the recognition they deserve, while others don’t. Grant Holloway falls in the latter category.
No doubt, Holloway is the undisputed king of hurdles, a man who dedicates his life to perfecting his craft for races that last just under 13 seconds. Every aspect of his day, from intense workouts to international competitions, revolves around shaving off fractions of a second from his time. It’s a commitment that requires unwavering focus and discipline, but for Holloway, it is everything.
People might have gotten used to him winning, but the zeal to remain at the top is one very few athletes can manage in this day and age. Holloway doesn’t slack.
At the Paris 2024 Olympics, Holloway achieved the crowning moment of his career by winning an Olympic gold medal. In the 110m hurdles, he clocked a time of 12.99s, narrowly defeating his U.S. teammate Daniel Roberts by one-tenth of a second. This victory was the culmination of years of relentless effort, especially after his narrow silver-medal finish at the Tokyo Games, where Jamaica’s Hansle Parchment claimed the Gold.
The journey to Olympic glory was far from easy. Holloway trains with an intensity that pushes both his body and mind to their limits. Each practice session is designed to refine his technique and enhance his speed. Despite his Olympic success, Holloway is still chasing an even bigger goal: breaking the world record of 12.80 seconds, set by Aries Merritt in 2012. With a Personal Best of 12.81, achieved in 2021, Holloway knows the record is within reach and remains determined to surpass it.
However, despite his dominance on the track, Holloway has yet to secure the level of sponsorship deals enjoyed by other track and field stars. He is an eight-time NCAA champion, a two-time indoor 60m hurdles champion, a world record holder, and now an Olympic champion, yet the lucrative endorsements have been slow to follow. This disparity is a source of frustration, not just for Holloway but for many in the track community.
In Paris, after his historic win, Holloway voiced his desire for greater recognition for hurdlers. He believes that the spotlight should not only shine on sprinters but also on athletes like him who push boundaries in their events. Still, this lack of external validation does not deter him from his goals. Holloway continues to deliver stellar performances, maintaining his status as one of the most consistent athletes in track and field.
At the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials, Holloway ran a blistering time of 12.86s, the fourth-fastest in history. The competition was fierce, with hurdlers like Freddie Crittenden and Daniel Roberts achieving career-best performances, but Holloway’s composure and skill ensured he stayed ahead. His dominance extends to indoor competitions as well, where he holds the world record for the 60m hurdles at 7.27s and has remained unbeaten for nearly a decade.
London Athletics Meet
July 23, 2023, London, England, U.K., photo by Kevin Morris
Holloway’s versatility sets him apart, although it is one area USATF hasn’t used him enough. During his college years, he excelled not only in hurdles but also in events like the 4×100 and 4×400 relays and the long jump. He even played high school football and received scholarship offers from prominent programs such as Georgia and Michigan. Despite his diverse talents, Holloway remains grounded, driven by a singular desire to run fast and win races.
After his victory in Paris, Holloway celebrated by striking a large ceremonial bell five times, representing his five world championship Gold medals (indoors and outdoors). This moment symbolized his sustained excellence since winning his first world title in Doha in 2019. Though his career has been marked by consistent success, the Olympic gold medal represented a pinnacle achievement, validating the years of persistence.
The hurdles remain as challenging as ever, and the margins for improvement continue to shrink. Yet for Holloway, that is precisely what fuels his passion. He thrives on the pursuit of perfection, always seeking to push boundaries and redefine what is possible. Whether competing on the world’s biggest stages or training in relative solitude, Holloway’s focus remains unwavering.
In the coming years, the prospect of breaking the world record looms large. For now, Holloway is content to relish his Olympic triumph, knowing that his relentless dedication has paid off. As he continues to chase greatness, those fleeting 13 seconds on the track remain his ultimate battleground, a space where years of preparation and determination converge.
