By Cordell Tinch’s path to the U.S. Olympic Trials is a testament to resilience and determination, overcoming hurdles both on and off the track. This week, Tinch is set to compete in the semifinals of the 110-meter hurdles at the U.S. Olympic Trials in Eugene, Oregon, aiming for a spot on the U.S. Olympic team bound for the 2024 Paris Games.
Originally from Green Bay, Wisconsin, Tinch’s journey began with adversity. Born to Elizabeth Simmons when she was just 16 years old, Tinch and his mother faced homelessness early on. “We were in a shelter because I was homeless,” Simmons recounted. “But seeing him, it made me say, ‘OK Elizabeth, you can cry later, but you gotta get this done today because he needs to eat. He needs clothes on his back.’”
Despite these challenges, Tinch excelled in sports, becoming a two-time state champion at Bay Port High School and setting records in the triple jump. His athletic prowess earned him a scholarship for track and football at the University of Minnesota before transferring to Kansas to reunite with a former coach.
However, the pandemic brought new challenges. Tinch took a hiatus from college to prioritize his mental health and returned home to work, including stints selling cellphones and operating machinery. Despite thoughts of leaving athletics behind, Tinch’s passion for competition persisted.
In January 2023, he joined the Pittsburg State track team and quickly made an impact. By May of that year, Tinch clocked 12.96 seconds in the 110-meter hurdles at the Trackwired Arkansas Grand Prix, marking the fastest time in the world at the time.
Last summer, Tinch continued to shine, securing second place at the national championships and narrowly missing the finals at the world championships in Budapest with a time of 13.31 seconds.
Now, at the U.S. Olympic Trials in Eugene, Tinch remains focused on achieving his dream, inspired by his mother’s unwavering support. “I always put my mom on the highest pedestal,” he emphasized.
Throughout his journey, Tinch aims to inspire others facing adversity. “To have people be inspired by me is the biggest thing,” he said. “I want to impact people the way the people around me have impacted me.”
As Tinch prepares for the semifinals, his story serves as a beacon of hope and perseverance, embodying the spirit of overcoming obstacles to achieve greatness.
