Grant Holloway, the reigning Olympic gold medalist in the 110m hurdles, will headline the sprint hurdles event at the Meeting de Paris in June, where he will renew his rivalry with Wilhem Belocian. Holloway, a three-time world champion, has a deep connection to Paris, having triumphed at the Meeting de Paris in 2023 with a time of 12.98 seconds. That performance came just a year before he secured Olympic gold on the same track, further solidifying his fondness for the French capital. Holloway’s personal best of 12.81 seconds, which makes him the second-fastest man in the history of the 110m hurdles, was set at the U.S. Olympic Trials in June 2021.
As the world indoor record holder for the 60m hurdles with a time of 7.27 seconds, Holloway is in top form after claiming his third world indoor title. He bested Belocian in that event, continuing his dominance in the hurdles. The upcoming Meeting de Paris will offer Holloway another opportunity to showcase his skill and add another victory to his illustrious career.
Belocian, the world indoor silver medalist, will have the unique opportunity to compete on home soil in Paris. The French hurdler is determined to make his mark in this upcoming showdown, having a point to prove after Holloway’s recent success. For Belocian, the race in June will be an important part of his preparations for the World Championships later this year in Tokyo. He emphasized that his goal this summer is to continue building momentum and validate the achievements from his indoor season, including his two indoor medals. The Meeting de Paris is a prime opportunity for him to race against the very best, and Belocian is looking forward to the challenge.
The rivalry between Holloway and Belocian has been one of the most exciting storylines in the sport. Both athletes have shown exceptional talent, and their battles on the track always promise to be thrilling. Holloway’s consistency and dominance on the international stage are well-established, but Belocian’s resilience and determination make him a formidable opponent, particularly in front of a home crowd.
Adding another layer of excitement to the competition is European champion Samba-Mayela, who will be competing in Paris for the first time since earning Olympic silver. Samba-Mayela, the 2022 world indoor champion, made waves in 2024 by breaking the French outdoor record with a time of 12.31 seconds to win European gold. She joins Tonja Buford-Bailey’s training group in Texas for the off-season, and her presence in Paris will make the event even more special. The French sprinter is excited to race on home soil, particularly in front of a crowd filled with her loved ones. For Samba-Mayela, this race represents not only a chance to compete but also an opportunity to relive the electrifying atmosphere of the Olympic Games.
With a history of breaking records and competing at the highest levels, Samba-Mayela’s participation in the Meeting de Paris adds another layer of excitement to an already star-studded lineup. Her enthusiasm for racing in Paris is palpable, and she looks forward to showcasing her abilities on the Charléty track.
The Meeting de Paris in June promises to be a thrilling contest, with top athletes like Holloway, Belocian, and Samba-Mayela all eager to prove their worth on the world stage. As they prepare for the upcoming season, these athletes will be looking to set new personal bests and build momentum towards the World Championships in Tokyo. Fans of track and field will be eagerly anticipating the action, knowing that this event will offer a glimpse into the fierce rivalries and incredible talent that define the sport.
