a stunning upset at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, defending champion Grant Holloway has crashed out of the men’s 110m hurdles after failing to qualify from the semi-finals. The 27-year-old American, a three-time world champion and Olympic gold medalist, finished sixth in his heat, falling short of the final for the first time in his career at a major championship.
Semi-Final Slip Ends Holloway’s Bid for Fourth Title
Holloway got off to a decent start at Tokyo’s National Stadium, but lost momentum in the final 30 metres. His heat was won by Jamaican Tyler Mason, who clocked an impressive 13.12 seconds to secure a place in the final. “It just wasn’t there today,” one analyst said, commenting on Holloway’s uncharacteristic late-race fade.
While Holloway faltered, other contenders seized the moment:
- Cordell Tinch, Holloway’s teammate and current season standout, comfortably qualified for the final.
- Rachid Muratake of Japan, a finalist at the 2024 Paris Olympics, also made it through, much to the delight of the home crowd.
The final is scheduled for 13:20 GMT, and with Holloway out, a new champion is set to be crowned.
