Ja’Kobe Tharp made history on June 10, 2026, during the semi-finals at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Eugene, Oregon. He clocked an astounding record of 12.75 seconds in the men’s 110m hurdles. This remarkable performance shattered the previous world record of 12.80 seconds, held by Olympic champion Aries Merritt since 2012.
Tharp’s Unforgettable Performance
Competing at Hayward Field, Tharp demonstrated his exceptional talent, leaving fans and spectators in awe. This victory has established him as the fastest man ever in the 110m hurdles.
A Surprising Achievement
Before this race, Tharp ranked 32nd all-time in the event, with a personal best of 13.01 seconds achieved in August 2025. He admitted that although he anticipated a strong performance, a world record was beyond his expectations.
- World Record Time: 12.75 seconds
- Previous Record: 12.80 seconds (set by Aries Merritt in 2012)
- Previous Personal Best: 13.01 seconds
- Date of Achievement: June 10, 2026
- Location: Hayward Field, Eugene, Oregon
Tharp’s Reflections
Post-race, Tharp expressed his disbelief at the world record he had achieved. He stated, “I knew I had that in my legs,” but hadn’t anticipated achieving such a milestone. He recounted moments during the race, mentioning, “The last three hurdles were kind of iffy,” which added to the thrill of his victory.
Looking Forward
Despite his groundbreaking achievement, Tharp remains focused on upcoming challenges. With the next Olympic Games set for LA28, he aims to maintain his momentum. “I’m trying to focus on what’s here in front of me,” he said, emphasizing his commitment to the final race.
On June 12, Tharp will return to Hayward Field to compete again, striving to defend his NCAA outdoor title. If successful, he will be the first athlete since Grant Holloway in 2019 to complete back-to-back NCAA hurdle sweeps.
Tharp’s incredible journey marks a new chapter in collegiate athletics, showcasing the rise of a remarkable talent on the global stage.
