Ep. 64: Olympic Champion Mindset with 400mIH World Record Holder, Kevin Young

THE BULLET OF BARCELONA

In the men’s 400m hurdles final at Barcelona 1992 Kevin Young became the first and only man ever to run the event in under 47 seconds, setting a new world record that has stood ever since.

HISTORY IN THE MAKING

As the men’s 400m hurdles finals unfolded before them on a golden August afternoon in 1992, the 80,000 spectators in Barcelona’s Olympic Stadium knew that they were witnessing something special. Only taking their eyes away from the track to check the clocks on the giant screens, they saw the USA’s Kevin Young power down the back straight, destroying the field in the process.

Taking 12 strides between hurdles before switching to 13, he came out of the final bend with a massive lead. After clearing the final hurdle, Young lifted his right arm in triumph five metres from the line, before stopping the clock in a stunning world record time of 46.78 and receiving a rapturous ovation from the crowd.

Looking back on his outstanding achievement, Young listed the reasons behind it: “A lot of hard work and sacrifices, great coaching, a huge investment and, more than anything else, one hell of a race.” It was a race no one has been able to repeat, with Young remaining the one and only man to dip under 47 seconds in the event, his world record still very much intact.

I had a chance to watch him (from behind) at the 1992 Olympic Trials in New Orleans.

Tune in on what is going to be an amazing show,

About the host:

John Register, Paralympic Silver Medalist | Inspirational Catalyst | Change Management Speaker | Author | Long Jump Record Holder | Gulf War Vet | Disability Rights Advocate | and 2 x TEDx Speaker.