American Ja'Kobe Tharp has rewritten track and field history. The 20-year-old broke the 110-meter hurdles world record with a time of 12.75 seconds during heats at the NCAA Outdoor Championships in Eugene, Oregon.
Tharp’s performance eclipsed the previous global standard of 12.80 seconds set by Olympic champion Aries Merritt in 2012. The under-20 world champion admitted the record-breaking run exceeded his own expectations, noting he initially anticipated matching the collegiate speed record rather than setting a new world benchmark.
The Auburn University athlete emphasized execution over outcome entering the competition. Despite feeling his form falter on the final three hurdles, Tharp’s raw speed carried him to the historic mark. He stated his primary goal was to send a definitive message to elite competitors that he has arrived as a dominant force in international sprinting.
Tharp brings significant championship experience to this breakthrough. He previously competed in the 110-meter hurdles final at the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo, where he finished sixth against the world's top professionals.