American hurdler who won gold at the 1992 Olympics and set a world record in the 400-meter hurdles, earning him the nickname "Back to Back" for his consecutive wins.
Kevin Young is renowned for his extraordinary athletic prowess, specifically in the 400m hurdles event, where he shattered records and left a lasting mark on the sport. Winning the gold medal at the 1992 Summer Olympics, Young recorded a world record and Olympic record time of 46.78 seconds, surpassing the 47-second barrier for the first time ever.
Born on September 16, 1966, Young's athletic journey began at Jordan High School, where he excelled as a 110m hurdler, finishing third at the 1984 CIF California State Meet. At UCLA, he transformed into a formidable 400m hurdler, adopting an unconventional technique of switching between 12 and 13 strides between the hurdles, differing from the popularized 13-stride method of Edwin Moses.
Young's sophomore year at UCLA marked a significant turning point. By focusing solely on the 400m hurdles and 4x400m relay, he clinched the 1986 Pac-10 400m hurdles title, setting a then-Pac-10 record of 49.02 seconds at the Los Angeles Coliseum. This achievement was followed by a surprising second-place finish behind Danny Harris at the 1986 NCAA Championships.
At the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, Young stunned the world by breaking the 47-second barrier, recording a world record time of 46.78 seconds in the 400m hurdles final. He continued his dominance by becoming the 400m hurdles world champion at the 1993 World Championships in Athletics, clocking 47.18 seconds.
Young's unorthodox hurdling style, characterized by his ability to switch between 12 and 13 strides, fascinated coaches and athletes alike. This unique approach contributed to his unparalleled success, earning him a place in the National Track and Field Hall of Fame in 2006.
After his athletic career, Young's legacy continued to inspire future generations. He was inducted into the UCLA Athletics Hall of Fame in 2005 and received the NCAA's Silver Anniversary Award in 2007.
Today, Kevin Young's incredible achievements serve as a testament to his dedication, perseverance, and innovative approach to athletics. His records may have been broken, but his impact on the sport remains indelible.
70 Years Old
A dominant force in track and field, winning 107 consecutive races in the 400-meter hurdles, and a pioneer in the fight against doping in sports.
Born in 1923
American sprinter and hurdler who won four Olympic gold medals, including the 100-meter dash and 4x100-meter relay at the 1948 and 1952 Olympics. He is the only male athlete to win Olympic titles in both sprinting and hurdling events.
79 Years Old
American sprinter and coach who won two gold medals at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, setting multiple world records in the 400 meters and 4x400 relay events.
81 Years Old
An American athlete who won the 1968 Olympic 200m gold medal in a world record time, famously raising his fist in a Black Power salute on the podium. He's a symbol of athletic excellence and social activism.
80 Years Old
Raised his fist in a Black Power salute during the 1968 Olympics, sparking a powerful symbol of protest against racial inequality.
83 Years Old
Olympic gold medalist and NFL wide receiver who excelled in both track and football, earning him the nickname "Bullet Bob."
79 Years Old
American sprinter and football player who won two Olympic gold medals and set multiple world records in the 100-yard dash, and later played in the NFL.
64 Years Old
A dominant force in track and field, winning 9 Olympic gold medals and 10 World Championship medals, setting multiple world records in the 100m and long jump events.
