Most years, the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix is my first indoor meet of the season. In 2026 (January 24th), one of the interviews I did was with Trey Cunningham.
Trey Cunningham had a strong race at the NB Indoor where he won in 7.48 to tie for the world lead. Trey had told me right before the closed session 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 7.37 in the 60-meter hurdles. Trey Cunningham, silver medalist in the 110m at the 2022 World Championships, is painfully honest and very quotable.
At the US Champs, Trey ran a 7.38 in the semifinals. In the final, Trey was a bit off and Dylan Byrd won in 7.37 seconds and Trey was second in 7.40 seconds. I could see that Trey was a little disappointed in 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 in 4 years. In college, Trey won both the NCAA 60-meter hurdles and the NCAA 110-meter hurdles.
A great athlete, Trey ran a 10.19 PB in the 100m at the Grand Slams.
Trey Cunningham made sure the media knew at the USATF Indoor press conference that he’s focused on every season, every season. “There is no such thing as a vacation year.” Trey gets it. To medal in the 60m hurdles you need a great start, you need to finish
World Athletics Continental Gold, photo by Kevin Morris
is going well over the six hurdles, and lean into that finish line because the 60m hurdles final in Torun, Poland is just around the corner.
Trey Cunningham was asked if 2026 was going to be a great year for him at USATF’s closed press conference on February 27th. Trey looked a little surprised, then noted that even over the years, Trey had done well. Trey thought about it for a moment, smiled and seemed to like that possible outcome for the 2026 season.
The men’s 60m hurdles will have a tough field. Trey Cunningham knows who he’s competing against (“so-and-so has to stay in his lane,” Trey told me conspiratorially).
Trey Cunningham will be ready for Torun.
