The American Grant Holloway improved his own world record in the 60 meter hurdles during the United States indoor championships, Friday February 16, in Albuquerque (New Mexico), where Tia Jones equaled the women’s record. Mr. Holloway, 26, who ran 7.29 seconds in 2021 and, in 2022, ran 7.27 seconds in the heats.
He then did not play in the final, preferring to preserve himself, although the United States championships served Friday and Saturday as “trials” selection for the world indoor championships in Glasgow (March 1-3).
Grant Holloway has an invitation to the 60 meter hurdles as reigning world champion. At 26, the Floridian confirms that he is the greatest runner in the history of this mainly winter discipline.
Undefeated in sixty races
Grant Holloway is now undefeated in sixty races over the distance since his professional debut seven years ago. He holds six of the seven best performances in history, surrounding the former world record of Briton Colin Jackson (7.30 in 1994).
The University of Florida alumnus is also a three-time world champion in the 110-meter hurdles. The only thing missing from his record is Olympic gold, which he will chase this summer in Paris (July 26-August 11), after winning silver in Tokyo in 2021.
Over 110 meters hurdles, Grant Holloway is the second best performer in history (12.81 in 2021), behind the record of his compatriot Aries Merritt (12.80 in 2012).
Third time in history
A few minutes before Grant Holloway, the little-known Tia Jones raced in 7 seconds and 67 hundredths to equal the world record established by Bahamian Devynne Charlton on February 11 in New York.
She then confirmed her dazzling form in the final in 7 seconds and 68 hundredths, the third fastest time in history. At 23, Tia Jones, junior world champion in the 100 meters hurdles in 2018, will take part in her first senior international championship in Glasgow.
These superb performances were achieved at altitude in Albuquerque (around 1,619 meters). A world record can be ratified there: Christian Coleman established the current 60 meter record there in 2018 (6 s 34).
In the long jump, Tara Davis-Woodhall jumped 7.18 meters, the world’s best performance of the season. Pole vaulter Chris Nilsen rose 6 meters to beat Sam Kendricks (5.95 meters). On Saturday, a tantalizing duel is expected between Noah Lyles and Christian Coleman over 60 meters.