Dreams do come true, and when they do, everything else pales in comparison. U.S. hurdler Cordell Tinch ensured the glory was all his, rising from a former salesman and football player to dominate the 110m hurdles at the World Championships in Tokyo. Once weighed down by a job installing toilet paper machines and battling depression, Tinch has now claimed the title the world has been waiting for: a champion born for greatness. It’s not unusual for athletes to step away from their sport, but Cordell Tinch took it to a whole new level.

For years, Tinch navigated a string of odd jobs, including selling mobile phones, installing cable and operating machinery, and building a life far removed from the track. It wasn’t until December 2022 that he made his triumphant return to the world of sport.

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