American hurdling sensation Cordell Tinch has sent a resounding message to his rivals, storming to a spectacular victory at the Shanghai Diamond League with a blistering 12.87-second finish in the men’s 110m hurdles.
The 24-year-old phenom shattered his own world-leading time of 13.06s, set just two weeks prior at the Xiamen Diamond League. His electrifying performance left Japan’s Rachid Muratake (13.10s) and Jamaica’s Rasheed Broadbell (13.24s) trailing behind, securing his second Diamond League triumph of 2025.
From the gun, Tinch showcased flawless technique, explosive speed, and impeccable race management, leaving no room for challengers. Muratake, who also finished second in Xiamen, improved his time by 0.04 seconds.
From football to track stardom
Tinch’s journey to hurdling supremacy is nothing short of remarkable. Initially attending the University of Minnesota on a football scholarship, he soon realized his true calling lay on the track. Transferring to Pittsburg State University in 2019, he quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a two-time NCAA Division II Indoor champion in the 60m hurdles and high jump in 2023.
His record-breaking performances earned him the title of National Men’s Track Athlete of the Year, with seven of the top-10 60m hurdles marks in NCAA DII history. Outdoors, he dominated the MIAA Championships, winning the long jump, high jump, and a wind-aided 12.97s in the 110m hurdles—making him the second-fastest collegiate hurdler ever under any conditions, trailing only Renaldo Nehemiah (1979).
Breaking records and turning pro
In June 2023, Tinch announced himself on the global stage, clocking a world-leading 12.96s at the Arkansas Grand Prix—surpassing Grant Holloway’s NCAA record by 0.02 seconds. He turned pro that same month, despite having two years of collegiate eligibility left.
His rapid ascent continued with a runner-up finish at the 2023 US Championships, earning him a spot at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, where he reached the semifinals. After a third-place finish at the Monaco Diamond League in 2024, he has now blazed through the 2025 season.
