American hurdler and sprinter Grant Holloway recently shared his thoughts on the 110m hurdles world record ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics. This edition will be Holloway’s second Olympic Games, having represented the United States at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Holloway has been one of the most dominant hurdlers in the world in recent years, holding a personal best of 12.81s in the event. This mark is just 0.01s shy of the current world record held by the USA’s Aries Merritt set at 12.80s in 2012.
Ahead of competing at the Monaco Diamond League, Holloway was questioned about how he felt about being just 100th of a second away from the world record in the press conference held before the Diamond League leg. Holloway responded to this, stating (via Wanda Diamond League X handle):
“Yeah, It's one of the things where it's a blessing in disguise. I'm paving the way for young adults like Sasha [Zhoya] and I'm paving it way also myself and my own legacy. I think the biggest thing is when I run, I kind of control my own destiny in that race. If I make a mistake then I know it's gone.”
He also stated that his primary goal was to participate in events and maintain consistency.
“But I think the main goal is we show up to these races. We just want to be able to win, we want to be able to show good form. We want to be able to stay consistent. We want to be able to come out here and put together a race plan or a race model that we'll be doing the same thing in about a month from now, which at the Olympic Games,” he said.
Grant Holloway added:
“I think the world record is overrated. But I think at the same time, you know, that's what gets the buzz. That's the buzz around my name. So I think that's a good thing.”
Grant Holloway eyes first Olympics gold medal at the Paris Olympics
Grant Holloway secured his spot on his second consecutive U.S. Olympics track and field team by storming to victory at the national trials, clocking 12.86 seconds. With this, he will headline the three-member USA squad in the 110m hurdles at the Paris Olympics, comprising Freddie Crittenden and Daniel Roberts as well.
Holloway, who entered the 2020 Tokyo Olympics as one of the top favorites for the gold medal, had to settle for the silver after losing to Hansle Parchment (13.04s) of Jamaica, after he clocked 13.09s in the finals. However, the 60m hurdles world record holder will be aiming to upgrade his medal to gold at the Paris Olympics.