Grant Holloway is considered the best hurdler in the world.
That is what the statistics say, despite his painful defeat in the Olympics final in Tokyo.
It was a setback that, far from obsessing him, has served him as a spur in the last two years, in which he has won two new world gold medals.
He spoke to MARCA in Budapest about how time competing.
Last Monday, both in the semis and in the final, you were very strong and seemed invincible. How did you feel?
That’s true. Already in the semi-finals I felt really good, really strong. I felt really fast. The rest was easy because it was a matter of seeing what I had done well to transfer that same energy to the final. And in the last race I managed to go under 13 seconds – I did 12.96 – which is always difficult, so it was a great performance. My idea is to always live up to a strong legacy and I’m grateful for that.
Did you feel at any point that you had revenge for your loss to Hansle Parchment in the Olympics final in Tokyo?
Not at all. It wasn’t about revenge. It was just about doing my race. I was in one of the central lanes and had all the attention on me. Now I can say that despite the stress of a final, I really enjoyed that race.
It was a great victory, no doubt about it, but the big goal is still Paris 2024, isn’t it?
I haven’t really thought too much about the Olympics. Obviously, when they come I will focus on them but for now I just want to celebrate this win.
You have won your third world gold in a row and equalled hurdling legend Greg Foster, who won the first three world championships. Interestingly, he won Olympic silver, as you did in Tokyo. Would you trade your three titles for gold at Paris 2024?
Not at all! I’ll keep my three world championship medals and, for now, my Olympic silver. I love the path I’m carving out for myself and I love the way I’m staying on that good path. From there, we continue to work and make it happen.
Two years ago, in the semi-finals of the Olympic trials, you came within one hundredth of equalling the world record – held by Aries Merritt at 12.80 since 2012. Do you see yourself finally breaking that mark?
I’m not saying I haven’t thought about it, but the goal is to go out there and win. As long as you get to the finish line before anyone else it’s a good day.
You have always been very ambitious. Do you dream of being the best in history in the 110m hurdles?
Of course it’s a dream and I’m working towards it. I don’t know if I’m the best but at least one of the best of all time. I love to train hard with the idea of building a great career and I’m not afraid of changes if they help me move towards my goal.
Speaking of which, you’ve always been very fast – you’re 6.50 in the 60m – but in the last two years I think you’ve improved your technique and your hurdling is cleaner. Am I wrong?
No, not at all. I think it’s true what you say. I’m really trying to improve my technique and stamina in general. Now we’ll make a couple of changes and we’ll be ready for next season.
In February 2021, you broke the 60m hurdles world record at the World Indoor Tour Madrid Meeting (Holloway ran 6.29). What do you remember about that race?
Oh, that was just beautiful! I can’t wait to go back to Madrid. Hopefully I can do it next winter.
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