Most years, the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix is the first indoor meet of my season. In 2026 (January 24), one of the interviews that I did was with Trey Cunningham.
Trey Cunningham ran a strong race at the NB Indoor, where he won in 7.48, tying the world lead. Trey had told me just before the Indoor meeting that it was about “presence.” Trey noted that, by focusing on the start and getting a great start, then, his race naturally “comes into play.”
Later in the season, Trey Cunningham ran a 7.37 for the 60 meter hurdles. The 2022 World Champs silver medalist at the 110 meters, Trey Cunningham is painfully honest and highly quotable.
At the U.S. Champs, Trey ran 7.38 in the semi-final. In the final, Trey was off just a bit, and Dylan Beard won in 7.37, and Trey was second in 7.40 seconds. I could see that Trey was a little frustrated with himself. When I asked him, “What did you learn from that race? ” “Well…, ” Trey said, ” 7.40 is pretty fast.” I smiled.
Trey Cunningham won 24 state titles in high school track and field over 4 years. At university, Trey won both the NCAA 60-meter hurdles and the NCAA 110-meter hurdles.
A tremendous athlete, Trey ran a 10.19 PB for the 100 meters at the Grand Slam series.
Trey Cunningham made sure, in the presser at the USATF Indoor, that the media knew he was focused on each season, one season at a time. “There is no such thing as an off year.” Trey gets it. To be a medalist in the 60-meter hurdles, you need a great start, you need to cle
World Athletics Continental Gold, photo by Kevin Morris
ar six hurdles well, and lean at that finish line, because, in Torun, Poland, it is going to be so very close in that 60-meter hurdle final!
Trey Cunningham was asked at the USATF indoor presser on February 27, by Jay Holder, USATF communications director, if 2026 was going to be a great year for him. Trey looked a little surprised, then noted that in even years, Trey has done well. Trey thought about it for a moment, smiled and seemed to like that possible outcome of the 2026 season.
The Men’s 60-meter hurdles will have a tough field. Trey Cunningham knows who he is racing against (“so and so needs to keep in his lane”, Trey told me in a conspiratorial tone.”).
Trey Cunningham will be ready for Torun.
