Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
Ja’Kobe Tharp, a 20-year-old Auburn hurdler, set a new world record in the 110m hurdles at the NCAA Championships in Eugene, finishing in 12.75 seconds. This broke Aries Merritt’s 2012 record by 0.05 seconds. Tharp described the run as unplanned and initially questioned the timing’s accuracy due to the remarkable result.
Tharp has shown consistent progress in recent years, winning the world U20 title in 2024, becoming NCAA and US champion in 2025, and finishing sixth at the World Championships. He entered the 2026 NCAA event after recording two 13.05 performances in May, one into a headwind.
After the record-setting run, Merritt, present as a coach, congratulated Tharp and said, “The sky’s the limit.” Former Auburn coach Leroy Burrell, also a former world record-holder, acknowledged Tharp’s new status in the sport.
Tharp is set to defend his undefeated season at the Prefontaine Classic on the same track where he set the record. Other top competitors include Jamal Britt, world champion Cordell Tinch, and world silver medallist Orlando Bennett. Tharp is also scheduled for the Diamond League meeting in Silesia on 23 August.