Before the 2024 Paris Olympics, France is gearing up to host another significant event in the world of track and field. The Meeting Hauts-de-France Pas-de-Calais 2024 is a vital indoor athletics event in Liévin, France, on February 10th. Top athletes from around the world, including Olympic and World Championship medalists, will grace the event, competing for a substantial prize purse. Among the star-studded lineup is Erriyon Knighton, the 2022 World Athletics Championship silver medalist in the 200 meters.

However, just before the pivotal race where Knighton is poised to make his 2024 debut, he received a thrilling challenge from an iconic veteran, who is the 2022 World Indoor Champion and also the world indoor record holder.

A massive challenge issued to Erriyon Knighton

In an Instagram reel by World Athletics, Grant Holloway shared a special challenge for the young champion, Erriyon Knighton. The video begins with the veteran and the young prodigy enjoying a friendly race together at an indoor arena. After the race, Knighton appeared to be all smiles, seemingly pleased with himself.

However, Grant Holloway threw down the gauntlet, stating, “All I’m saying is: if he’s not running 20.69 or faster, then I’m going to tell him I’m faster in all sports, not only in the 200m but in everything else,” hinting at a challenge for the 20-year-old ahead at the indoor athletics event at the Meeting Hauts-de-France Pas-de-Calais 2024. But why did Grant Holloway issue the challenge?

Why did Holloway challenge the prodigy?

At 26 years old, Grant Holloway stands as a legend in track and field. Holloway has demonstrated outstanding speed in flat sprints, but he is now an icon in hurdling. In the 60-meter hurdles, Holloway is the reigning World Indoor champion, having won the title in 2022 with a blistering time of 7.29 seconds in Madrid, Spain, on February 24, 2021. In flat sprints, his personal best in the 200 meters is an impressive 20.66 seconds, indicating his speed over longer sprint distances. His challenge to Erriyon Knighton stems not only from his impressive achievements but also from his notable indoor time of 20.69 seconds for the 200 meters. With just hours to go before the Meeting Hauts-de-France Pas-de-Calais, fans await track and field events such as the 60m hurdles, 200m, 800m, 1500m, 2000m, 3000m, shot put, and pole vault, among others.

Read more: “I Don’t Care About Marathon”: Noah Lyles Reveals His Thoughts About Marathon With Track Insider

As a World Athletics Indoor Tour Gold event, the Meeting Hauts-de-France Pas-de-Calais offers a prize purse of at least $7,000 in each discipline, with the winner receiving $3,000. All eyes are on Erriyon Knighton as he makes his 2024 debut, with fans eagerly anticipating his showdown with the seasoned veteran, Grant Holloway. Will Knighton be able to meet the challenge and cross the 20.69 mark? Share your thoughts below!

Watch this story: Noah Lyles Is All In, Rooting for the $155M Esports Giants at World 2023