Recap: The Final of the men's 110m Hurdles, Tokyo 2020 Olympics

The final of the men's 110m Hurdles went against the pundits' script and the expectations of most track and field enthusiasts. Certainly, Grant Holloway of the United States, the 2019 Doha World Champion, was the "red hot" favorite. At the US trials, Grant Holloway posted 12.81 in the semifinals, to establish a world-leading time that was only one hundredth of a second outside the 12.80 seconds world record that was posted by his countryman, Aries Merritt in 2012.

Holloway favored to Win

The final was comprised of the US pair of Grant Holloway and Devon Allen in lanes 4 and 6, the Jamaican duo of Ronald Levy and Hansle Parchment in lanes 5 and 7, Great Britain's Andrew Pozzi in lane 3, Asier Martinez of Spain in lane 2 and the French pair of Pascal Martinot Lagarde and Aurel Munga in lanes 8 and 9.

Even without the defending champion, Omar McLeod of Jamaica, the final promised much and delivered same.

When the gun finally went off, Grant Holloway was out in a flash, with everyone chasing. At 70m, Holloway looked set to win his first Olympic title. However, the Jamaican Hansle Parchment was finishing fast like a freight train. And his countryman, Ronaldo Levy, along with Devon Allen, were closing fast. At the 100m mark, Grant Holloway was caught by Hansle Parchment and the 6’ 5" Jamaican went on to win the gold medal in a season's best time of 13.04. Grant Holloway posted 13.09 for the silver medal while Ronald Levy secured the bronze medal in 13.10 to complete the podium finish. Devon Allen was fourth in 13.14.

Jamaica retained 110m hurdles Olympic title

The result was a shocker for many as Grant Holloway, the overwhelming favorite and world leader, was undefeated all season. On the other hand, Hansle Parchment barely made it out of the JAAA National Trials having finished third in 13.16.

Jamaica secured two medals (gold and bronze) in the men’s 110m hurdles, while Holloway secured silver for the United States. In short, Jamaica successfully defended its Olympic title in the 110m Hurdles, albeit, through a different but seasoned campaigner in Hansle Parchment.

Henley Taylor

Freelance Sports Writer

Henleytaylor1965@gmail.com

Edited by Raymond Byfield

Hansle Parchment picture courtesy of his Facebook page

Final 110m Hurdles Results – Tokyo Olympics

1. Hansle Parchment, Jamaica, 13.04

2. Grant Holloway, United States, 13.09

3. Ronald Levy, Jamaica, 13.10

4. Devon Allen, United States, 13.14

5. Pascal Martinot-Lagarde, France, 13.16 SB

6. Asier Martinez, Spain, 13.22 PB