3x World Champion, Stanley Grant Holloway is an American professional hurdler and sprinter. Known for his immense contributions to athletics, he is a well-sought-after name in track and field. Of late, Holloway has entered the finals of the Paris Olympics with a 12.98 in the 110-meter hurdles! The 26-year-old had made a switch from football to track and field, and now he boasts of being an Olympic silver medalist, a Diamond League Final winner, and a two-time World Indoor Champion. So, how did Grant become the champion he is today?

Behind every athlete, there is a history that shapes them. Where they are from, the places they grew up in, their schooling, family, etc.—it all helps mold them into who they are. Beyond his professional life, Holloway appears to be a family-oriented person. His family is regularly seen on his social media. His parents stand like pillars by his side. They don’t just cheer from the stands; they are an active part of his life. Let us learn more about him, his family, and his background.

Grant Holloway’s family background

Holloway was born in Chesapeake, Virginia, U.S. He was born on November 19, 1997, to Latasha and Stan. Holloway was trained by his father, Stan, in track and field until high school. He was coached along with his brother, while they both were members of the Track 757 Club. Stan harbors an immense passion for athletics, and he did his best to instill the same in his children. It wouldn’t be wrong to say he deserves credit for leading Grant into the world of athletics and for spearheading his coaching in the early days.

Lately, Latasha and Stan were seen in a ‘protective mode’ as Grant got ready to grab another Olympic gold. They believe family support is non-negotiable and hope to cheer their son on during stressful times. Although Grant had fulfilled one of his goals back in the 2020 Olympics, this time his parents and family are physically around to support him. “One of his goals was to make the Olympics. Now, of course, he fulfilled that goal in 2020, but we weren’t really able to experience that with him. So in some ways this is fulfilling that lifetime goal of, his making a dream come true for us,” his mother said, as reported by Fox56.com. They are looking forward with enthusiasm to Grant winning his much-deserved medal.

Grant Holloway’s educational background and achievements

Grant Holloway went to high school at Grassfield High School. He was on the Grassfield Grizzlies team and competed in track and field and football. Later, instead of choosing to compete at the University of Georgia in football, he chose to compete in hurdles at the University of Florida (2017–2019). There, he competed with the Florida Gators and specialized in 60 m hurdles, 110 m hurdles, long jumps, and relays. While in Florida, he led his team to win titles in NCAA championships. He also won NCAA indoor and outdoor championships multiple times and set records in the 60 m hurdles (7.35 s) and 110 m hurdles (12.98 s). Going from a standout wide receiver in football to track and field was, according to Grant, not much of a choice.

But the decision to move from football to track and field turned out quite well for him. “I wasn’t the best team player,” he told EBONY. “I always ultimately wanted to be an Olympic champion. So, I took all my eggs out of the football basket and put them in the track basket.” He liked the ‘individualized pressure’ of being on track and knew he had to leave football behind. Now Grant has a one-track mind, and with Olympic gold almost in hand, he has no time to ponder over the would-haves and could-haves.