A stunning performance at the NCAA outdoor track and field championships saw Auburn junior Ja’Kobe Tharp shatter the world record in the 110-meter hurdles, clocking an astonishing 12.75 seconds.
This remarkable feat, achieved during the semifinal round on Day 1, marks the first time an individual has broken a world record at the NCAA championships in 50 years, a milestone last reached by Dwight Stones in the high jump.
Tharp’s time significantly improved his personal best by 0.26 seconds, eclipsing the previous world record of 12.80 set by Olympic champion Aries Merritt in 2012, as well as Grant Holloway’s collegiate record of 12.98.
Reflecting on his unexpected achievement, Tharp told a trackside television interviewer, “I have more in my legs! That was not a picture-perfect race. This round was about getting through, surviving and advancing. This (record) is a huge bonus.”
Elsewhere on the track, New Mexico’s Habtom Samuel secured victory in the day’s sole track event final, winning the 10,000 meters with a time of 27 minutes, 51.31 seconds.
Samuel, who sprinted past Louisville’s Elsingi Kipruto in the final stretch, claimed his second title, having also won the race in 2024 and finishing as runner-up last season.
Five field event champions were also crowned.
Angelos Mantzouranis of Minnesota earned his first NCAA title and third straight medal in the hammer throw, with an effort of 248 feet, 7 inches, contributing to the Golden Gophers’ second consecutive win in the event.
Nebraska’s Dyson Wicker triumphed in the pole vault at an NCAA-leading 19-2 1/4, while Texas A&M senior Zaza Nnamdi took the javelin title with 269-10.
Kansas State’s Tah Chikomba won the long jump at 27-5 1/2. Freshman Ben Smith made history for Oregon, becoming the first NCAA outdoor shot put champion for the university since Dean Crouser in 1982, with a mark of 69-0 1/2.
The men’s events are set to continue on Friday at Hayward Field.
