Redemption arc for former Florida Gator Grant Holloway complete after winning gold

Three years ago in Tokyo, Florida Gators legend Grant Holloway stepped onto the track in the finals of the 110-meter hurdles as the favorite to win a gold medal. And 50 meters into that race, a gold medal felt like a formality.

Then, inexplicably, Holloway faltered and wound up finishing second in Tokyo.

Fast forward three years, and Holloway made sure that history didn't repeat itself in Paris.

Florida Gators: Mission Accomplished

Coming into the finals, Holloway was the clear favorite after running a comfortable-looking 12.98 seconds, just .07 off the Olympic Record. And like in Tokyo, Holloway blasted into the lead in the finals and looked like he was about to smash that record.

Also, like in Tokyo, he started to return to the pack in the back half of the race. But unlike in Tokyo, he had built such a large lead that he was able to hold on and cross the line with room to spare.

His final time of 12.99 wasn't his best, but it was a comfortable 0.1 seconds ahead of 2nd-place finisher Daniel Roberts, who ran 13.09 seconds.

Holloway spoke afterward as to what winning the gold medal meant for him.

"Tokyo was three years ago. Obviously (Jamaica's) Hansle (Parchment) ran a great race. This was my time. It wasn't redemption. I just wanted to make sure I came out here and get to the finish line before anyone else, and that's what I did."

- Grant Holloway

Holloway may be downplaying the redemption arc narrative, but there is no mistaking that this was one of the last accolades missing from his resume. After winning eight NCAA national titles during his time with the Gators, Holloway is a three-time world outdoor champion, a two-time world indoor champion, and a Diamond League champion.

And now, Grant Holloway can call himself an Olympic champion.