As the world marks Men’s Mental Health Month this June, American hurdler Cordell Tinch is stepping forward with a powerful message about emotional well-being in sports especially for male athletes often conditioned to stay silent.
The 24-year-old, one of the breakout stars of the 2025 outdoor season, believes it’s time for men in sport to speak openly. This is by revealing about what they carry beyond the competition.
“In sports, as men, we all carry a lot with us, just because we feel like everything depends on us,” said Tinch. “Even though we’re not on the same level as basketball or football in terms of attention, we still carry a lot as athletes in track and field.”
Tinch to line up in Hengelo
Tinch’s message comes at a time when his athletic stock has never been higher. He stormed to victory at the Xiamen Diamond League in May, clocking 12.87 seconds in the 110m hurdles. A time that moved him to joint-fourth on the world all-time list. Now, Cordel Tinch is set to line up again at the prestigious FBK Games in Hengelo, Netherlands, on June 9. It`s part of the World Athletics Continental Tour Gold series.
There, he’ll face top-tier rivals including 2016 Olympic champion Omar McLeod of Jamaica. Fellow American Dylan Beard, who boasts a personal best of 13.10 will also be present. But even amid the pressure of elite competition, Cordel Tinch is making space to talk about something deeper.
“To be able to find a way to release, that is a big thing,” he explained. “So I’m hoping I can get more athletes to open up, just honestly, to be a soundboard. That’s the best thing I can do.”
His words reflect a growing movement in sports where athletes are no longer afraid to speak about anxiety, pressure, and mental exhaustion — especially during a month meant to spotlight men’s mental health.
“Hopefully I’m able to continue to open doors for others and keep things going. It’s always nice to know you’ve got somebody there for you,” Tinch added.
