by Jeff Benjamin
Cordell Tinch came on the scene with some quick hurdling, having run the 12.96, a world leader in 2023. At the 2023 USATF Outdoor Champs, Cordell took second and qualified to Budapest, Hungary.
Jeff Benjamin sent these questions to Cordell Tinch, and he answered them before he left for Budapest!
Cordell Tinch moved onto the semi-finals in the 100m hurdles on August 21, 2023.
RunBlogRun, 1) How’d you feel about your performance at USATF?
Cordell Tinch: I was content with my performance, it was good, but I didn’t feel it showcased all that I could do. I felt I had more in the tank but needed the experience to run rounds!
RunBlogRun, 2) Was the goal to just make the team, or were you satisfied with your place?
Cordell Tinch: My childhood goal was to make the team as I have done, but my goal, no matter where the competition is, was to win. As some would say, I am too competitive in all aspects of life. But I think that is how I have been able to get to this point in life.
RunBlogRun, 3) What’s different – training both physically & mentally – between this year & 2021 & 2022?
Cordell Tinch: There was no training year in 2020,2021,2022; I hadn’t trained until January of this year. I took a break, as most people have learned about me, and I didn’t have a track on my mind too much. Mentally the life lessons and things I gathered to be more mentally tough really are the biggest difference.
RunBlogRun, 4) Who’s coaching you, and who’s your support staff? – you can include your family!
Cordell Tinch: Kyle Rutledge and Jesse Miller are the two coaches who helped shape me to this point. My family and close friends have always supported me, and honestly, the whole city of Green Bay is behind me, and I’m beyond grateful for it.
RunBlogRun, 5) Going forward to Budapest – how are you preparing both physically & mentally?
Cordell Tinch: I’m doing what I usually do, decompressing and getting my body into peak shape to go out there and show all I can do.
RunBlogRun, 6) Your performances show that you have a lot of versatility – any chance to see you eventually try other events (decathlon?), or are you a true hurdler?
Cordell Tinch: I appreciate that, I may try other events, but I won’t ever do a decathlon.
RunBlogRun, 7) What kind of advice would you like to give to young T&F athletes out there?
Cordell Tinch: I always like to say that for as much training you’re doing physically, you need to do the same mentally because of how mentally challenging this sport is.
