Is there any way to truly measure Grant Holloway’s consistency in track and field? Since the 2019 Doha World Championships, the American hurdler hasn’t placed off the podium even once. And when it comes to the indoor 60m hurdles, you’d have to go back an entire decade to find his last defeat. That’s how dominant he’s been in his events! But how? Grant isn’t the type to cherry-pick competitions. He constantly challenges himself, competing in meet after meet, all over the world. So, what drives him? What’s his motivation? Some questions that really need answers! 

Also, to have a better knowledge of things, let’s look at the timeline of Grant’s recent performances. His 2025 track and field season kicked off in February at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix. Since then, he’s competed in three events, winning them all and keeping his times as sharp as ever. Remember, this is the same athlete who elevated his game at the Paris Olympics, seizing his first Olympic gold. And it’s worth noting that his previous season ended on September 9, 2024, in Bellinzona, where he placed second. Now, he’s in Nanjing, gearing up for the World Athletics Indoor Championships, ready to defend his men’s 60m hurdles title. Interestingly, Grant is one of the few big-name stars who has chosen to compete in this global event. Many top athletes have already withdrawn. So, what’s the reason behind his decision to go against the grain? 

The NBC Sports host, Ato Boldon, asked Grant such a question, and the Olympic champion was delighted to take it. Ultimately, he said, “When you have a major championship on the line and you look back at your resume or someone looks back at your resume, whether if it’s tomorrow, a year from now, 20 years from now, they’re going to realize that at every major championship, Grant Holloway was there. Whenever there was a title on the line, Grant Holloway was there.” So, the 27-year-old wants to leave his footmarks for the next generation of athletes. But will it be a simple job to follow in his footsteps for the upcoming generations? 

The Olympian didn’t dive too deep into the reasoning behind his decision, but he again made sure to highlight what has driven him all these years. In his conversation with Boldon, Grant said, “He’s going to challenge himself, but more importantly, he’s going to challenge his team, his coach, his support staff, just to be as ready as he is.” That right there is the essence of Holloway—relentless, self-demanding, and fiercely loyal to those in his corner. 

It’s not just about Grant’s own readiness—it’s about raising the collective bar. His mindset offers a blueprint for future generations: proof that greatness isn’t just about talent but about the unyielding pursuit of excellence, day in and day out. Such meaning might help the upcoming generations to follow in his footsteps. Otherwise, remember, Grant Holloway’s Chinese morning has come. He is in Nanjing now, to compete in the World Athletics Indoor Championships. You can follow the recent clips where the Virginia native hasn’t shown sluggishness in his practice drills. His commitment has remained the same for yet another contest. However, for the fans, Grant might stand as the only showstopper in the coming days in the absence of many athletes in the World Athletics Indoor Championships. Well, do you know who missed the flight this time? 

Grant Holloway’s best pals are missing the global indoor championships 

Noah Lyles: absent. Rai Benjamin: nowhere in sight. Tara Davis-Woodhall: missing in action. And the list goes on. But one thing is certain—Grant Holloway won’t have his usual crew by his side in Nanjing. No best mates to share the fun, no familiar faces to exchange podium banter with. The reason? Well, not one, but a collection of different stories keeping them away.

Noah Lyles, for one, may have skipped the competition because of his ongoing battle with chronic breathing issues. The sprinting superstar, who has been open about managing his asthma, likely chose caution over competition this time around. Rai Benjamin, on the other hand, is simply playing it smart. Known for being highly selective with his racing schedule, the Olympic champion is yet to unleash his full force in the 2025 season. For him, Nanjing just didn’t make the cut.

And then there’s Tara Davis-Woodhall. The ever-charismatic long jumper has had her hands full with off-track commitments lately. Whether it’s business ventures, sponsorship deals, or personal pursuits, Tara seems to be keeping her spikes tucked away for now. Count Christian Coleman in as well. The speedster has been turning heads off the track rather than on it. He’s been spotted at various events with his long-rumored girlfriend, none other than Sha’Carri Richardson. In fact, if you were at the Christian Coleman Invitational recently, you might have caught a glimpse of the two sharing a moment—though neither has officially confirmed their relationship.

Meanwhile, Jamaican sprinter Kishane Thompson made a quiet exit. The rising star mysteriously withdrew from the competition without offering a reason, leaving fans and analysts guessing. So, while Grant Holloway is gearing up for battle in Nanjing, many of his peers have opted for different paths—some out of necessity, others by choice. But make no mistake: even without the usual star power around him, Holloway is more than ready to put on a show.