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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.
GGs 13.1 SB today in Paris 🗼🇫🇷
I guess I would say that is season opener part 2 lol..
— Grant Holloway, OLY (@Flaamingoo_) June 20, 2025
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: 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: 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.
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