It’s the kind of shock twist that leaves track fans stunned and organizers scrambling. One of track and field’s biggest names, an Olympic champion with unmatched speed, flair, and presence, has decided to skip the most talked-about series in athletics today. Michael Johnson’s revolutionary Grand Slam Track brings the promise of financial rewards. While others chase headlines and six-figure paydays, hurdler Grant Holloway is staying exactly where he’s always been. In total control of his own path. The whispers were growing louder, the anticipation mounting. But what came next no one expected.
Despite being a picture-perfect fit for the Grand Slam Track (GST), Grant Holloway has officially confirmed he won’t be part of it. The reigning king of the 110m hurdles, and a dominant force in the 60m, with three indoor and outdoor titles to his name, has decided the $100,000 sprint showdown just isn’t for him. Holloway has made it clear: no flat races, no crossover experiments. He’s sticking to hurdles and only hurdles. It’s a decision that defies expectations but aligns perfectly with his laser-focused mindset.
Speaking on the Tidal League Podcast, Holloway didn’t dance around the subject. “I’m not in it,” he said directly, referring to GST. Upon hearing this, host Justin Gatlin wanted to reconfirm what Holloway had just said. And the Olympic gold medalist obliged. “I haven’t, I would say this, I don’t, I’m not signed up for any Grand Slams. I don’t have any desire to do any Grand Slams this year, but obviously next year with everything going on, we’re going to try to figure out what happens next, but I’m not, I’m not in it at all,” echoed Holloway. But there was no shade, only respect.
Holloway praised the format for injecting excitement into the sport and drawing fresh eyes to track and field. Whether the series lasts a week or a decade, he sees it as a welcome shake-up. Something new that draws attention to track and field. While he has no plans to take part, he appreciates how it pushes the sport forward and welcomes any fresh energy it brings to the scene. Now, he may not be running in it, but Holloway sees the bigger picture. And he surely stands up and applauds it from the sidelines.
Paris 2024 Olympics – Athletics – Men’s 110m Hurdles Round 1 – Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France – August 04, 2024. Grant Holloway of United States in action during heat 5 REUTERS/Phil Noble
As for stepping into new territory in the future? His camp isn’t ruling it out entirely. Coach Regis suggested Holloway might consider other challenges down the line, but the hurdler’s fans can for the time being put their expectations to rest. “He’s a renowned 110m hurdler, and that’s what he wants to focus on,” Regis recently said in an interaction with LetsRun.com. And with the Paris gold still gleaming, Holloway’s message is crystal clear. the Grand Slam can carry on but without him. That’s because Holloway has some exclusive plans of his own.
Grant Holloway’s golden run hits a hurdle after injury and back-to-back defeats
Grant Holloway emphatically began 2025, defending his 60m hurdles crown at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing. It was his third straight indoor world title. A feat no hurdler before him had achieved. “It wasn’t my best two rounds, but it’s the final that counts,” Holloway said after clocking 7.42 seconds to extend an indoor unbeaten streak dating back to 2014. But what started as a golden season quickly spiraled into a stretch of rare setbacks.
After opening his outdoor campaign at the Tom Jones Invitational, alarm bells rang. Trey Cunningham edged him out with a 13.09s run, while Holloway settled for second at 13.18s. The real shock came at the Xiamen Diamond League. Entering as the Olympic and world champion, Holloway finished a staggering 10th in 13.72s, visibly hobbling and far from his usual explosive rhythm. Cordell Tinch won the race in 13.06s, while Holloway’s performance raised serious concerns.
Those concerns were confirmed when Holloway revealed on the Ready Set Go podcast that he suffered a knee injury earlier in the year. Recalling an incident during a heavy front squat session, he admitted, “Thirty minutes later, my knee swelled up like a balloon.” That injury, it seems, is taking its toll. With Holloway now pulling out of his next Diamond League appearance, questions loom over whether the world champion can recover in time to defend his outdoor titles later this season.
The post “Not In At All”: Grant Holloway Reveals Grand Slam Track Plans Amid Recovery From Freak Injury That Ruled Him Out of Diamond League appeared first on EssentiallySports.
