From Leaving the Sport to 4th Fastest Ever: Cordell Tinch Breaks Down His Comeback and World Championship Win

Sep 29, 2025

Cordell Tinch, a world-class 110m hurdler and 2025 World Champion, shares his incredible journey from nearly quitting to winning gold. He reflects on his comeback after a multi-year break, revealing how belief and resilience fueled his success. Cordell discusses overcoming nerves at the starting line and adjusting his mindset to defeat top competitors. He also emphasizes the importance of celebrating both big and small wins and inspires listeners to embrace their unique paths. Expect laughs and insights as he discusses future plans and the joy of being a role model.

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ANECDOTE

Goals Beyond Medals

Cordell Tinch described his dual goals when he turned pro: win medals and inspire people to be better.
He emphasized that influencing others to improve is as important as athletic success.

ANECDOTE

Win Felt Real At Home

Cordell said the win didn't feel real until he returned to Wisconsin and saw family and friends.
Being around loved ones made the accomplishment settle in emotionally.

INSIGHT

Prefer Season To End With Worlds

Cordell supports ending the season with Worlds and suggests Diamond League winners get automatic World spots.
He believes finishing the season at Worlds makes scheduling and peaking simpler.

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Cordell Tinch just struck gold in Tokyo, and he’s back on the show to tell us how it happened.

This isn’t just about a gold medal. Cordell’s career is about resilience, reinvention, and the razor-thin line between heartbreak and glory. Just a year ago, he missed making the U.S. Olympic team by one place after undergoing mid-season surgery.

Fast forward to 2025, and he’s running 12.99 to capture the World Championship title in Tokyo, only weeks after becoming Diamond League champion with a blazing 12.92, equaling the meet record in Zurich. Earlier this season, Cordell clocked 12.87 in Keqiao, a performance that made him the fourth-fastest 110m hurdler in history.

His journey has been anything but linear. From winning the Big 12 title as a Kansas freshman in 2019, to leaving the sport for nearly three years, to storming back at Pittsburg State with a world-leading 12.96 in 2023, Cordell’s arc is one of resilience and belief.

Now, after sharpening his rhythm and composure to consistently break the 13-second barrier, he’s here to unpack the mindset shift that turned him from nearly quitting the sport into a global champion.

Because of that, this isn’t another victory lap. It’s a raw and dynamic inside look at how belief, resilience, and technical mastery can transform an athlete’s career and inspire a generation.

Tap into the Cordell Tinch Special.

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