Just a year ago, Cordell Tinch was sidelined by mid-season surgery that crushed his Olympic dreams. Today, he’s not just back, he’s making sure the track and field world knows his name belongs among the best.
On June 9th, 2025, the 24-year-old American hurdler delivered yet another statement performance at the FBK Games in Hengelo.
Facing a competitive field that featured 2016 Olympic champion Omar McLeod and rising American Dylan Beard, Tinch clocked an impressive 13.10 seconds to clinch victory. McLeod followed in 13.42, but the day was all about Tinch’s continued resurgence.
From Setback to Soaring Comeback
After turning professional in 2024, Tinch’s career hit a rough patch when a surgery forced him to miss out on a potential Olympic debut. But rather than letting adversity define him, he used it as fuel.
This season alone, Tinch has already secured two Diamond League victories, ranked himself #3 globally in the men’s 110m hurdles behind Grant Holloway and Rasheed Broadbell, and famously defeated world record holder Holloway in Xiamen.
His latest triumph in Hengelo was proof that Tinch is not a flash in the pan, but a genuine title contender for upcoming global events.
Beyond the Track
Away from the hurdles, Tinch is also positioning himself as a mental health advocate within track and field.
On the same day as his FBK Games victory, World Athletics shared a video of Tinch on Instagram where he spoke about the unseen burdens athletes carry.
“I just think that in sports as men, we all carry a lot because we feel like everything depends on us,” Tinch said. “Even though we’re not on the same level as basketball and football, we still carry a lot as athletes. To be able to find a way to release that is a big thing. I’m hoping I can get more athletes to open up.”
What Lies Ahead for Tinch?
As the 2025 season heats up, the big question is what’s next for Cordell Tinch. His performance trajectory suggests he’s not far from breaking into the top two globally.
With his fifth win of the season and a consistent sub-13.20 performance rate, he’s firmly on course for a podium finish at the upcoming World Championships and possibly the Diamond League Final.
After his Hengelo win, Tinch took to Instagram to share his excitement.
“Loved it, can’t wait to come back next year.”
Cordell Tinch is no longer just the underdog with a good comeback story. He’s now a key figure in the hurdles event, a mental health advocate, and a serious contender for world honors.
