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Grant Holloway’s Comeback Story: Why Paris Could Be His Biggest Stage Yet?

Grant Holloway’s performance at the 2025 New Balance Indoor Grand Prix was not just a victory—it was a celebration of excellence, consistency, and greatness

In a sport where fractions of a second define careers, Holloway has mastered the art of timing—both on the track and in his journey to the top.

With a glittering resume, a trophy case full of medals, and an unrelenting drive to improve, Holloway is not just running races—he is shaping history.

As the 2025 season unfolds, fans and competitors alike will be watching closely, knowing that with Grant Holloway on the track, greatness is never far behind.

As the lights prepare to shine in Paris, Holloway stands ready—not just to race, but to inspire. With past glories behind him and future goals ahead, he’s embracing the moment with humility and hunger.

His story is one of resilience, self-belief, and the relentless pursuit of greatness. And when the gun fires in Paris, all eyes will be on lane four, where one of track and field’s greatest showmen will once again take flight over the hurdles.

Grant Holloway
Grant Holloway (Image: Source)

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Grant Holloway on Confidence, Comebacks, and Paris

A Champion’s Perspective Ahead of the 2024 Diamond League

Reigning Olympic gold medalist in the 110m hurdles, Grant Holloway, has long stood as a beacon of excellence in track and field.1

As he readies himself for the 2024 Paris Diamond League, Holloway recently shared some powerful reflections on building confidence from past achievements and the unique competitive fire that defines the Diamond League’s short hurdles events.

A Setback That Shaped the Season

Elite athletes are not immune to challenges, and 2025 brought a particularly bumpy start for Holloway.

At the Xiamen Diamond League, Holloway delivered an uncharacteristic performance, finishing tenth in the 110m hurdles with a time of 13.72 seconds. This was far from his usual explosive form and a clear indication that all was not right physically.

Soon after, he made the difficult decision to withdraw from the Shanghai Diamond League, citing ongoing knee issues. For a hurdler whose event relies so heavily on precise biomechanics and explosive power, even a minor injury can derail months of preparation.

Despite the early season turbulence, Holloway bounced back spectacularly at the 2025 World Indoor Championships in Nanjing, clinching gold in the 60m hurdles—a distance where he holds the world record.

The victory reinforced that Holloway’s championship pedigree and mental resilience remained intact.

Grant Holloway
Grant Holloway (Image: Source)

Grant Holloway: Drawing Power from Past Triumphs

At his press conference on June 19, 2025, Holloway spoke with clarity and poise about the importance of drawing confidence from his history of success.2

With memories of his gold medal performance at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics (held in 2021) and the unforgettable moment in Paris 2023, where he clocked 12.98 seconds, Holloway exuded calm determination.

“Paris means a lot. Last August, I won my first Olympic gold. I’m always going to enjoy coming to Paris just based off the memories,” he said. “But this track in particular… I was able to run 12.98 in 2023. That kind of propelled me forward for what was to come, closer towards that World Championship year.”

That race in 2023 had a ripple effect—elevating Holloway’s belief in his trajectory and providing a mental foothold during tougher times.

These moments, he emphasized, are what enable an athlete to keep moving forward, even when facing setbacks like injury or unexpected losses.

Paris: A Special Place for a Champion

Paris is more than just another venue on the circuit for Holloway. It’s become a symbol of greatness, a stage that has witnessed some of his finest performances.

His enthusiasm for returning to the French capital is tied not only to the memories of Olympic triumph but also to the intimate connection he feels with the Stade Charléty track, where so many pivotal races have taken place.

“Paris in general is a great place for me to go out, compete, have a little bit of fun, let my hair down—not literally—and just see what happens,” Holloway joked, underscoring the blend of high stakes and personal joy that comes with racing in the city.

Facing the Fierce Diamond League Field

The Diamond League circuit is known for assembling the world’s top track and field talent, and Holloway knows the short hurdles event is one of the most competitive.

Unlike flat sprints where athletes may choose lanes or tactics, hurdling is a game of fine margins and fearless execution.

“The thing about the hurdles is none of us are scared of anybody,” he said. “In the sprint event, you can kind of dictate where you wanna go, but with the hurdlers I feel like at every Diamond League it’s gonna be a fierce battle.”

This level of mutual respect and rivalry among hurdlers sets the tone for thrilling encounters at every meet. And Holloway, with his characteristic swagger and calm, appears ready to embrace that intensity once again in Paris.

Grant Holloway
Grant Holloway (Image: Source)

Grant Holloway: From Golds to Greatness

A Career Built on Grit

Grant Holloway’s career speaks volumes. A three-time World Champion in the 110m hurdles (2019, 2022, 2023), Holloway has established himself as one of the greatest high hurdlers of all time.3

Beyond World Championships, his dominance in nine Diamond League meetings showcases remarkable consistency across seasons.

He is also the world record holder in the 60m hurdles (7.29 seconds), and has flirted dangerously close with the 110m hurdles world record of 12.80, with his personal best standing at 12.81.

What sets Holloway apart is not only his speed and precision but also his showmanship, mental toughness, and ability to deliver under pressure.

The Mental Side of Sprint Hurdling

Unlike some athletes who prefer to keep things technical, Holloway is refreshingly open about the psychological side of competition. His comments suggest a belief that racing is as much about managing self-belief as it is about fitness and form.

By leaning into past successes, Holloway is building a mental fortress that helps him navigate the inevitable highs and lows of elite sport. His reflection on using previous victories as mental fuel reveals a maturity often seen in all-time greats.

“Being able to secure my third outdoor world title… just shows the importance of keeping faith in your training, even when setbacks come your way.”

Ready to Reclaim Dominance in Paris

Heading into the 2024 Paris Diamond League, Holloway isn’t just chasing a win—he’s looking to reassert his dominance.

After his indoor gold in Nanjing, the Paris meet represents his next big test ahead of the 2025 World Championships and the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.

With the knee issue seemingly behind him, fans and analysts are eager to see whether he can return to sub-13-second territory and fend off rising stars in the hurdles field.

The Bigger Picture: Legacy in the Making

At 27, Grant Holloway already boasts a resume that most athletes would envy. But as he moves through the prime of his career, he’s also building a legacy—one that goes beyond medals and records.

His candor, sportsmanship, and consistent excellence make him not just a dominant athlete, but also a role model in the sport.

Whether or not he wins in Paris, Holloway’s presence on the track is a reminder of what happens when talent meets mental grit and a true love for the competition.

Grant Holloway
Grant Holloway

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Grant Holloway Opens His Season with an Impressive Feat

The 2025 New Balance Indoor Grand Prix in Boston set the tone for the indoor track and field season, and once again, all eyes were on one man—Grant Holloway.

The American hurdler and sprinter made headlines as he claimed his fourth consecutive win in the 60m hurdles at the event, crossing the finish line in a lightning-fast 7.42 seconds.

With this triumph, Holloway not only secured another victory but extended an astonishing eleven-season unbeaten streak indoors.

His performance was not just fast—it was technically flawless. The crowd at the Reggie Lewis Center erupted as Holloway burst from the blocks, glided over the hurdles with effortless rhythm, and charged through the finish line well ahead of the competition. This was more than a win; it was a statement of intent for 2025.

Unbeaten Indoors: A Streak That Defines an Era

  • To go undefeated in any sport for over a decade is rare. In the world of track and field, it’s nearly unheard of.
  • Yet, Grant Holloway continues to defy expectations. Since he first entered the professional indoor circuit, Holloway has not lost a single 60m hurdles race.
  • His win at the 2025 New Balance Indoor Grand Prix marked his 34th consecutive indoor victory in the event.
  • What makes this streak even more remarkable is the consistency of his performances. Rarely does he scrape by with narrow margins—more often, he dominates the field.
  • His quick reaction times, superior hurdling technique, and powerful sprinting ability combine to create an unstoppable formula.
  • The 7.42 mark, while shy of his own world record of 7.29, still stands as one of the fastest times ever clocked in indoor hurdling history.

 

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The Jesse Owens Award: Recognition of a Remarkable Year

In 2024, Holloway’s brilliance was recognized with the prestigious Jesse Owens Male Athlete of the Year Award, one of the highest honors in American track and field.

This award, given annually by USA Track & Field, honors athletes who display outstanding achievements and character both on and off the track.

For Holloway, the award was more than just a trophy—it was validation of a year filled with relentless training, big-stage victories, and exceptional performances.

Winning the award placed him in the company of legends like Carl Lewis, Michael Johnson, and Tyson Gay. It’s a reflection not only of his times and medals but also of the inspiration he provides to a new generation of athletes.

World Championship Glory and Olympic Stardom

Holloway’s dominance is not limited to indoor competition. He has been a towering figure in global track and field, earning acclaim on the outdoor circuit as well.

A two-time Olympic medalist, Holloway won silver at the Tokyo 2020 Games in the 110m hurdles and is expected to contend for gold in Paris 2024.

His World Championship record is equally impressive. He is a three-time World Champion in the 110m hurdles (2019, 2022, and 2023) and has emerged as the man to beat in the event.

His combination of power, agility, and speed has made him a perennial favorite, and his presence at any major event shifts the dynamic of the competition.

Grant Holloway
Grant Holloway

Grant Holloway’s Unique Style

A Technician and a Showman

What sets Holloway apart is not just his speed, but his style and charisma. On the track, he is known for his textbook hurdling form, keeping his center of gravity low and minimizing airtime.

Off the track, he engages fans with energy, confidence, and humility.

Holloway often pumps up the crowd before races, dances during introductions, and celebrates with unfiltered joy.

His enthusiasm is infectious, making him a fan favorite wherever he competes. At a time when the sport needs stars with personality, Holloway provides both brilliance and flair.

The 2025 Season: A Golden Opportunity

Looking ahead, Holloway’s strong start to the 2025 indoor season suggests he is on track for yet another stellar outdoor campaign.

The season will likely culminate in the World Athletics Championships and potentially serve as a warm-up for the 2026 Olympics, should schedule changes shift timelines due to the previous compressed seasons post-pandemic.

There is growing speculation that Holloway might even attempt a double—competing in both the 110m hurdles and a sprint event like the 100m.

While his focus remains on hurdling, his flat speed is exceptional; he has previously clocked sub-10.2 times in the 100m dash.

A Legacy in the Making

At just 27 years old, Holloway is already being mentioned in the same breath as hurdling legends like Allen Johnson, Aries Merritt, and Renaldo Nehemiah.

But unlike many past greats, Holloway is combining longevity with global consistency. His success indoors and out, his dominance at every level—from NCAA to World Championships—and his infectious charisma make him a truly unique athlete.

If his form continues, he may well go down as the greatest hurdler of all time. His eleven-season unbeaten indoor record is unprecedented, and every new race adds another chapter to a legendary career in progress.

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Kankana Biswas
Kankana Biswas

I'm a strategic journalism graduate with expertise on socio-political issues, business, and finance. I'm a self-made entrepreneur, and have contributed to various news/media outlets since 2015. I also received degree of journalism from the Delhi College of Arts and Commerce.

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