For over a decade, Grant Holloway has been untouchable on American soil in the 110m hurdles. The three-time world champion and reigning Olympic gold medalist has dominated the event with near-perfect consistency, making any loss on home turf seem unthinkable.
Rising star Trey Cunningham stunned Holloway, handing him his first defeat on U.S. soil in 11 years on April 19 at the Tom Jones Memorial Invitational in Gainesville, Florida. The 2022 World Championships silver medalist Cunningham, blazed to a world-leading 13.09 seconds, narrowly edging out Holloway’s 13.18. Dylan Beard (13.33) and Orlando Bennett (13.39) rounded out the top four.
The last time Grant Holloway lost a hurdles race in the United States, he was still a high school sophomore. On February 15, 2014, a 16-year-old Holloway was outdueled by Isaiah Moore in an indoor meet—a loss that left a lasting mark.
“I’m a sore loser, and I know it,” Holloway later admitted as quoted by Essentially Sports.
Since then, Holloway had been invincible on home soil, racking up NCAA titles, world championships, and, most recently, Olympic gold in Paris. His only major setback was at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, losing to Jamaica’s Hansle Parchment (13.04) and earning silver. That loss hurt, but in 2024 Holloway stormed back, winning Olympic gold in Paris with a stunning 12.99 finish.
Cunningham’s victory in Gainesville proves he can go toe-to-toe with the best.
For Holloway, the loss is a rare stumble, but history suggests he’ll respond with even greater intensity. After all, his high school defeat propelled him to greatness, and Tokyo’s disappointment only sharpened his focus for Paris. Now, with Cunningham emerging as a legitimate rival, the 110m hurdles just got a lot more intriguing.
With the 2025 World Relays on the horizon, Holloway will undoubtedly use this loss as motivation. Meanwhile, Cunningham’s breakthrough adds a thrilling new dynamic to the event, ensuring that American hurdling remains must-watch drama.