Grant Holloway, right, wins the final in the men’s 110-meter hurdles ahead of Devon Allen at the U.S.
“I made the Olympic team and that was the goal, to get to the next step,” Allen said.
Allen became a two-sport star, winning multiple state championships on the track, while also being ranked as a four-star recruit on the football field.
“Some of the greatest athletes in the world and even in the NFL, have a track background,” Allen said.
He then enrolled at the University of Oregon to continue his career in both sports.
But in the semifinal against Florida State, Allen tore his ACL on a kickoff return, ending his season.
“The most difficult part is just the time away,” Allen said.
Less than a year later, Allen was back in pads, but didn’t perform at the same level, catching just nine passes for 94 yards on the season.
Devon Allen high fives fans after he won the men’s 110-meter final on Day 9 of the U.S.
He went on to win the Olympic trials in the 110 hurdles with a personal best time.
“I just have a great support system — my family, my friends, my coaches — that believe in me,” Allen said.
A few months later, Allen announced that he was leaving school to pursue a professional track and field career.
Grant Holloway, right, celebrates after winning the final in the men’s 110-meter hurdles with Devon Allen at the U.S.
With two hurdles left, Allen propelled into third place.
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