Cordell Tinch: From Cellphone Salesman to World Champion

Cordell Tinch's transformation from a cellphone salesman to a world-class athlete reached its peak on a sweltering night in Tokyo, where he clinched the gold medal in the 110 meters hurdles at the world championships. Tinch's journey saw him dominating his event and clocking an impressive 12.99 seconds to secure his first global title.

Jamaican athletes Orlando Bennett and Tyler Mason completed the podium with a silver and bronze, respectively, in a race that concluded the reign of former champion Grant Holloway. Tinch's triumph suggests a changing of the guard in the hurdles event, with his victory affirming his elite status in the track and field world.

Tinch's road to glory was anything but straightforward. After abandoning hopes of playing college football and participating in Division I athletics, he returned to the sport with vigor in 2023, eventually breaking into the professional scene. His mastery of the high hurdles was evident earlier this season, when he clocked a sizzling 12.87 in Shanghai, aligning him with historic greats like Dayron Robles.

(With inputs from agencies.)