'There is a lack of respect for me' — American hurdler Freddie Crittenden claims as he eyes Grant Holloway's 110mH crown

American hurdler Freddie Crittenden has long felt overshadowed, even as he continues to deliver impressive performances in a fiercely competitive event dominated by three-time world champion Grant Holloway. 

Despite earning his place among the elite, Crittenden believes he hasn’t received the recognition he deserves.

“There is a lack of respect for me,” he shared in an interview with

“I still go to practice every day, and I think, ‘people don’t see me as a medal contender or national champion.’ Before I’m done with this sport, I want people to look back and say, ‘he accomplished a lot, inspired so many, and truly cared.’”

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Crittenden’s journey has been anything but conventional. Based in Phoenix, Arizona, he balances his athletic aspirations with a full-time job at an after-school care nonprofit.

 Until recently, he competed without a major sponsorship, relying on a $10,000 grant from Boomerang Capital Partners through USATF’s “Adopt an Athlete” program to cover training, healthcare, and travel expenses. In July 2024, he signed a long-awaited contract with Adidas, marking a turning point in his career.

At the 2024 US Olympic Trials, Crittenden secured a runner-up finish in the 110m hurdles, earning his first Olympic berth. His grit and determination were on full display in Paris, where an aggravated adductor muscle forced him to rely on the newly introduced repechage round to advance to the semifinals. 

With two days to recover, he clocked 13.42 seconds to book his place in the next round, eventually finishing sixth in the final with a time of 13.32 seconds.

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Despite these achievements, Crittenden remains acutely aware of the respect gap he feels in the sport, especially compared to his illustrious teammate Grant Holloway, who dominated the Paris 2024 final with a time of 12.99 seconds.

“People don’t recognize what I’m capable of,” he said. “I still have a chip on my shoulder, working to show my value every day.”

In December 2024, Crittenden joined the inaugural season of the Michael Johnson-founded Grand Slam Track, an exciting new league aimed at elevating track and field to global prominence.

As he continues to compete, Crittenden remains focused on cementing his legacy, both as a top-tier hurdler and as an athlete who inspires others. “I want to be remembered not just for what I achieved but for how I cared for people and connected with them,” he reflected.

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