RED-HOT favourite Grant Holloway suffered one of the shocks of the Olympics with defeat in the men’s 110m hurdles final.
The American, 23, was unbeaten in a staggering 24 races going into the showpiece race of the season.
And he made a lightning start out of the blocks, seemingly pulling clear by the mid-way point.
But a stumble late on saw Holloway lose his rhythm – opening the door for Jamaican Hansle Parchment to storm through for gold.
Parchment crossed the line in 13.04 seconds with Holloway second in 13.09 and another Jamaican, Ronald Levy, claiming bronze in 13.10.
Sprinting legend Usain Bolt congratulated his compatriot Parchment on the victory.
He wrote on Instagram: “Simply Magnificent. Brilliant.”
Bronze medallist at London 2012, the new champion Parchment said: “The greatest feeling, the greatest feeling.
“I’ve worked so hard. It’s unbelievable that I caught this guy (Grant Holloway). I’m really grateful.
“Certainly. There are so many here, Grant here for instance, and that’s a motivation for me. I even sat and watched (other athletes) to improve how I take my training times.
“I don’t think a lot of people expected me to win.”
HOLLOWAY HURT
But there was obvious disappointment for nervous Holloway, who was expecting to add the Olympic gold to his world championship title from 2019.
Despite this, the former long jumper, high jumper and 400m runner was gracious in coming second and laughed with Parchment and Levy on the track afterwards.
He said: “Everybody knows I’m going to get out strong. Now it just comes to a point where I’ve got to finish strong.
“I did it once when I was two shaves (0.02s) off the world record so I know I can do it.
“I just think the nerves, the big atmosphere got the best of me a little bit.
“But I’m young, I’ve got a lot of races under my belt so I’ll take this with a grain of salt and I keep moving forward.
“This was not the outcome that I wanted but it enables me to say I’m an Olympic medallist.”
Brit Andrew Pozzi was left disappointed by his seventh-placed finish.
COMPETITION: SPOT THE BALL TO WIN A CAR AND CASH
🥇 TOKYO OLYMPICS LIVE: All the latest from the Games with our live blog
🥇 WHAT’S ON TODAY? Best bits to watch at the Olympics and UK times for your favourite stars
He said: “I came here wanting to win a medal, I wasn’t moving quite how I wanted.
“Sadly, in that race I tried to fight it a little bit. It’s a disappointment not to win a medal.
“It’s been a big journey, I’m so grateful for everyone who’s contributed over the last decade. It’s frustrating, it’s not quite where I want to be.”
DREAM TEAM 2021/22
PLAY DREAM TEAM FOR THE 2021/22 SEASON
- £100,000 prize pot up for grabs
- £50million budget to build your best XI
- Play in Mini Leagues against your mates, colleagues, etc
- Click here to play for FREE
- Dream Team app available through Apple Store and Google Play Store
Source: Athletics - thesun.co.uk
