by Deji Ogeyingbo
Tinch looks to carry fine form into the US Trials
Cordell Tinch lit up the track in Keqiao, China this May with a blistering 12.87 seconds in the 110m hurdles. It was the fastest time ever recorded that early in the season. It tied him with Dayron Robles as the fourth-fastest man in history and announced, once again, that the 25-year-old American is a serious contender for a global medal.. Now, with the U.S. Trials for the World Championships in Tokyo taking place in a couple of days, the focus shifts from times to team selection.
Last year, Tinch finished fourth at the Olympic Trials and missed out on Paris, despite being in peak form. That memory still lingers, even after a strong follow-up season. Since Keqiao, he’s raced consistently well, clocking 13.10 to win in Hengelo and finishing second in Rome, Monaco, and Brescia with times between 13.14 and 13.15. The races have been sharp, but wins have been hard to come by.
Budapest, Hungary
August 19-27, 2023, by Kevin Morris
This year’s field for the U.S. Trials is as crowded as ever. Six other Americans have cracked the world top 12 in 2025. Trey Cunningham leads the way with a 13.00 from Miramar. Dylan Beard followed closely with a 13.02 in Paris. Teenage prospect and NCAA Champion Ja’Kobe Tharp has gone 13.05. Jamal Britt and Freddie Crittenden have dipped into the 13.08–13.09 range, and Grant Holloway, the reigning world champion, has clocked 13.11 despite dealing with a minor setback.
Tinch is right there with them. His 12.87 still stands as the fastest in the world this season, but he knows the U.S. trials won’t be decided by who ran what in May. It’s about who can put together one clean race in July. He’s been steady, racing across Europe and staying sharp, but also clear-eyed about what’s at stake.
He ran a very clean and technical race in Keqiao. From the first hurdle, his rhythm was precise, his technique balanced, and his stride controlled. He separated early and held his lead all the way, beating a world-class field that included Japan’s Rachid Muratake and Jamaica’s Rasheed Broadbell. That race was almost perfection at its best and an indication of what he can pull off when everything clicks for him.
That night in China, he said, felt like it moved in slow motion. “It was surreal,” Tinch recalled. “Each hurdle felt like a small race. Somewhere near hurdle eight or nine, I saw the clock and knew we were flying.”
Since that race, he’s made it clear his focus is on qualifying. “Running fast in May doesn’t mean anything without a spot on the team,” he said. “My goal hasn’t changed since the start of the season.”
He’s also been vocal about prioritizing mental health. Missing the Olympics last year didn’t break him but it sharpened his approach. He talks about being in a better place across the board and ready for whatever comes.
There’s no doubt Tinch has the speed to make the team to Tokyo. Whether he can time it right at the U.S. Trials, with a field full of other top names, is the final piece. One race could change everything again.
