The road to the Paris Olympics is looking exceptionally bright for the US as two of their most noted athletes have created history. Grant Holloway and Tia Jones had an air of anticipation built around them as they lined up for their events. However, not many would have thought that these two athletes would not only go on and clinch the victory but also the world record in their respective disciplines. 

For Holloway, it was about bettering his own record from 2021. But for Jones, equalling the world record with Devynne Charlton was something that came as a surprise for many. It looks to be smooth sailing as a precursor to Glasgow next as Holloway and Jones emerge as tour de forces.

Grant Holloway & Tia Jones for the win 

It was just three years back when Holloway clocked a world record time of 7.29 at Madrid in 2021. Much to the amazement of his fans, the 26-year-old narrated a story of dominance by going one step forward and bettering himself as he finished his event at 7.27. Such a performance not only boosted Holloway’s morale but also served as a trial for Team USA at the World Athletics Indoor Championships, to be held in Glasgow, Scotland. 

While Holloway was basking in his own glory, another star rose like a phoenix from the ashes. 23-year-old Tia Jones was a name that did not make the favorites list of most fans. However, a lightning bolt-like performance saw her clock 7.67, which was equal to the current world record set by Devynne Charlton last Sunday at the Millrose Games. 

With world records crumbling in front of the American challenge, both Holloway and Jones had contrasting stories coming into the USATF Indoor Championships 2024. 

A tale of grit, determination, and hard work 

Holloway came into the competition, being the hot favorite to clinch gold. The 26-year-old athlete has been in dream form and is often considered as the greatest to have ever graced the men’s 60m hurdles discipline. His recent victory extended his impeccable winning streak to 60 races. Holloway has also never lost a 42-inch race ever in his life, which includes both the heats and the finals. 

Read More: Grant Holloway Maintains 10-Year Winning Streak After USATF Indoor Championship Gold

Unlike Holloway’s glittering tale of buoyancy, Tia Jones’ tale is more of being composed while waiting for the iron to go red before striking. Although Jones was a known face in the junior division, she has never tasted the resplendence of representing her country in the World. From accumulating a mere 7.96 pb in 2020 to achieving the feat of equalling the world record goes on to show how much grind Jones had gone through in silence. 

All in all, the build-up for the two athletes might be contrasting, but America is already dreaming of Olympic dominance with Holloway and Jones as their supreme frontrunners. 

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