Hurdles Olympic Stadium

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London Olympics men’s 110m hurdles gold medallist Aries Merritt (USA)

110m Hurdles 

All three events feature 10 hurdles

100m Hurdles

Adjustable hurdle height

100m 83.8cm

110m 106.7cm

400m 91.4cm

400m 76.2cm

Rust- proof aluminium frame

1830s: Hurdles evolve in UK from wooden barriers placed on 100 yard track

1896: First Olympic appearance of 110m race

1961: Women’s 100m distance introduced, replacing 80m hurdles run since 1926

400m Hurdles

Staggered start

Staggered hurdles

Finish

Hurdle will tip over if struck by athlete

Athlete must stay in own lane

100m/110m

Olympic record
 
L. Xiang (CHN) 2004 12.91

S. Pearson (AUS) 2012 12.35

World record

A. Merritt (USA) 12.80

Y. Donkova (BUL) 12.21

400m

K. Young (USA)  1992 46.78

M. Walker (JAM) 2008 52.64

K. Young (USA) 1992 46.78

Y. Pechenkina (RUS) 2003 52.34

Sources: Rio 2016, Olympic.org, IAAF

Picture: Associated Press