In a historic night at the 2026 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Eugene, Oregon, 20-year-old Auburn sophomore Ja’Kobe Tharp smashed the men’s 110m hurdles world record with a blistering 12.75 seconds, overtaking Aries Merritt’s 12.80 mark set in 2012. Pending official ratification, Tharp becomes the youngest athlete ever under 12.80 and the first collegian to set a world record in the event.
Who Is Ja’Kobe Tharp? The 20-Year-Old Who Shattered the 110m Hurdles World Record
Ja’Kobe Tharp is an American hurdler born on September 30, 2005, in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, who now holds the 110m hurdles world record with 12.75 seconds. As a sophomore at Auburn University, he has rapidly emerged as the most dominant young hurdler in global track & field.
His Ja’Kobe Tharp world record performance has catapulted him into international headlines, marking a turning point for collegiate athletics.
Ja’Kobe Tharp Age, Early Life, and Tennessee Roots
Tharp was born in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and grew up in the nearby community of Rockvale. He is currently 20 years old as of June 2026.
Growing up in central Tennessee, he developed his early passion for running through local youth programs before joining Rockvale High School’s track team, where his hurdling talent first stood out.
From Rockvale High School to Auburn University Stardom
After dominating at Rockvale High School, Tharp committed to Auburn University, joining the Tigers’ track & field program.
His Auburn career has been record-setting:
Tharp is Auburn’s first 110m hurdles national champion since Ty Akins (2007) and the program’s first individual indoor national champion since 2007.
The Historic World Record: 12.75 Seconds at NCAA Championships 2026
During the preliminary heats of the 2026 NCAA Outdoor Championships at Hayward Field, Tharp delivered a stunning run:
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Time: 12.75 seconds
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Wind: +1.0 m/s (legal)
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Previous record: 12.80 by Aries Merritt (2012)
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Improvement: −0.05 seconds
He became the youngest athlete under 12.80 and the first collegian to break a world record in the 110m hurdles.
JA’KOBE THARP ARE YOU KIDDING ME 🤯 12.75
✅ NCAA RECORD
✅ WORLD RECORD#NCAATF x 🎥 ESPN / @AuburnTFXC pic.twitter.com/YuN7crt8kc— NCAA Track & Field (@NCAATrackField) June 11, 2026
Ja’Kobe Tharp Career Highlights and Major Titles
Tharp’s career already includes multiple national and international achievements:
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2024: Under-20 World Championships gold (110m hurdles, 13.05s) in Lima
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2025: NCAA Outdoor Champion (110m hurdles)
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2025: NCAA Indoor Champion (60m hurdles, 7.45s)
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2025: SEC Indoor Champion (60m hurdles)
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2025: USATF 110 Hurdles Championship winner
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2026: 110m hurdles world record holder (12.75s)
He also owns two of the 20 fastest 60m hurdles times in history (7.32 and 7.36).
Ja’Kobe Tharp’s Explosive Speed and Hurdling Technique
Tharp combines explosive acceleration, smooth rhythm, and precise hurdle clearance. His 12.75 run showcased:
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Rapid first-step explosion
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Minimal time between hurdles
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Efficient lean and drive phase
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Consistent 13-step rhythm between hurdles
His 60m hurdles mastery (7.32 collegiate record) reflects his elite speed and technical precision.
Ja’Kobe Tharp Family Background and Support System
Tharp is a Murfreesboro, Tennessee native from Rockvale, raised with strong family support. While detailed personal family information remains private, his consistent references to Tennessee roots and community backing highlight a stable support system that fueled his early development.
What’s Next for Ja’Kobe Tharp After His World Record
With the Ja’Kobe Tharp world record now established, the focus shifts to:
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Official ratification by World Athletics
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Potential selection for the 2026 global championships
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Preparation for Olympic-level competition in coming cycles
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Possible endorsement and sponsorship opportunities
As a sophomore, he has at least two more collegiate seasons before potentially turning professional.
Why Ja’Kobe Tharp Is One of the Biggest Names in Track & Field Right Now
Tharp is now a global standout because:
His Ja’Kobe Tharp 110m hurdles dominance has redefined expectations for collegiate hurdlers.
FAQ
Q: What is Ja’Kobe Tharp’s world record time?
A: 12.75 seconds in the 110m hurdles at the 2026 NCAA Championships.
Q: How old is Ja’Kobe Tharp?
A: He is 20 years old, born September 30, 2005.
Q: Which university does Ja’Kobe Tharp attend?
A: Auburn University (sophomore, 2025–26).
Q: Did Ja’Kobe Tharp break the 110m hurdles world record?
A: Yes, he ran 12.75, shaving 0.05s off Aries Merritt’s 12.80.
Q: What titles has Ja’Kobe Tharp won?
A: NCAA 110m & 60m hurdles champion, Under-20 World gold, USATF champion, SEC champion.
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