There have been quite a few controversies about the 2024 Olympics up until now, and adding to the list is another shocking one—something no American would ever want to wake up to. The 110m hurdles at Stade de France on August 9th witnessed what the spirit of the Olympics ‘not’ stands for—unfair play! While Grant Holloway bagged gold with 12.99, his teammate Daniel Roberts was incidentally spiked by Spanish athlete Enrique Llopis, finishing second.
Daniel Roberts had already turned heads at the 2023 World Championships by claiming a bronze in the 110m hurdles. However, the 26-year-old had something else in mind for the Paris Olympics. Stade de France was set to host the men’s 110mH hurdles finals. Ready to set the track ablaze, the only thing that stood between him and the coveted gold was his compatriot Grant Holloway, the current World Champion. However, undeterred the World Championship bronze medalist was ready to make a statement.
As the gun goes off, he speeds off the blocks, making a beeline for the finish. Even though he was leading before they leaped past the first hurdle, Holloway soon caught up holding on to his lead. Trailing behind his teammate, the 26-year-old dove, finishing in 13.09 seconds along with Rasheed Broadbell. However, as he draped the red and white and blue around him to celebrate his Olympic silver, many noticed a long scratch on his arm. What could have caused this?
via Reuters
Paris 2024 Olympics – Athletics – Men’s 110m Hurdles Final – Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France – August 08, 2024. Orlando Bennett of Jamaica, Grant Holloway of United States, Rasheed Broadbell of Jamaica, Daniel Roberts of United States and Enrique Llopis of Spain in action. REUTERS/Carlos Perez Gallardo
Daniel Roberts settled in lane 3 while Spain’s Enrique Llopis was to his left in lane 2. However, an accident right before the two approached the first hurdle disoriented the American. As they prepared to leap over it, Llopis’ spike accidentally made contact with the sprinter’s arm. This slowed the 26-year-old down a little, but he persevered. Now sporting a scratch, Roberts sped up, chasing his compatriot for the first place, instead giving Team USA a 1-2 finish. Quite an upgrade compared to 3 years ago when he finished 9th in the same event.
Grant Holloway’s finally redeems himself from Tokyo Olympics heartbreak
Grant Holloway and Daniel Roberts were both vying for an Olympic gold at the French capital. But the former was also hoping to escape the shadows of what happened 3 years ago. Ranked as the world’s #1, the 26-year-old stepped into an empty stadium as the clear favorite. He had an incredible start, being the first off the block. But eventually he stumbled over the seventh hurdle. He lost out on his lead to Hansle Parchment who clinched the gold instead.
via Reuters
Paris 2024 Olympics – Athletics – Men’s 110m Hurdles Final – Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France – August 08, 2024. Grant Holloway of United States celebrates after winning gold with silver medallist Daniel Roberts of United States. REUTERS/Phil Noble
However, this time around he knew things would be different. With his stellar performance at the U.S. Olympic Trials, he entered the Stade de France confident than ever. “I’m looking forward to continuing to show the great form that I’m in.” Holloway made sure to stick to his word this time. When his compatriot Daniel Roberts slowed down due to the unfortunate incident, the 26-year-old saw his opening and went for it. He blazed past the finish line in 12.99 seconds, finally claiming the medal he truly wanted.
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