In May 2025, Cordell Tinch stunned the track and field world with a blistering 12.87-second run in the 110m hurdles at the Shanghai Diamond League, a personal best, a meet record, and the fourth-fastest time in history.
Despite this monumental achievement, Tinch remains laser-focused on securing a spot at the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25 by performing at his best in the upcoming US trials.
But behind the speed and accolades lies a deeper story, one of resilience, mental strength, and the importance of well-being in elite sports.
The Race That Felt Like “Forever”
Reflecting on his record-breaking run in Shanghai, Tinch described it as a “surreal” experience.
“To a lot of people watching from the outside, they’re like, okay, they have 10 hurdles and usually the race is over in 13 seconds. But for me, I feel like that race took forever as we were going down the lanes, just because of each hurdle, I feel like it was its own mini race that was taking 13 seconds,” he shared in an exclusive interview with World Athletics Watch.
He recalled a moment mid-race when he glanced at the clock and realized just how fast he was moving.
“There are things that I want to take from that race and apply to every race that comes in the future,” he said.
Why Mental Health Matters in Elite Sports
Tinch’s journey hasn’t been without setbacks. Missing out on the 2024 Paris Olympics was a tough blow, and he admits he found it difficult to watch the Games. However, rather than dwelling on the disappointment, he channeled his energy into preparing for the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo.
“I’m a big mental health person, and I think that there’s a lot of things as athletes that we need to talk about,” Tinch emphasized.
“I’m just in a way better space physically, mentally, spiritually, that I’m really ready for anything this season.”
As he prepares for the trials, his mindset could be the key to unlocking another historic performance.
The Road to Tokyo 2025
Tinch’s recent performances prove he’s in peak form. After his Shanghai triumph, he continued to impress, finishing runner-up at the Grand Slam Track event in Philadelphia and securing second place at the Golden Gala in Rome.
Yet, his sights remain firmly set on the US trials.
“Initially, I really thought that [the 12.87] would throw a whole lot more pressure on me, but at the same time, I’ve got to be this fast at USA trials in order to make the team,” he said. “That’s the goal of the season.”
He’s determined to avoid being remembered only for a fast early-season time.
“I don’t only want to be known as, ‘he ran the fastest time ever in May but then missed the team in July,’” he admitted.
The world will be watching when he takes on the US trials. And if his season so far is any indication, Tinch is ready to rise to the occasion—body and mind in sync.