Kevin Young

A UCLA student, Kevin Young won NCAA titles in the 400 m hurdles in 1987 and 1988, and made his début at the international scene by finishing second at the 1987 Pan-American Games. At the 1988 Seoul Olympics, Young finished fourth, one place behind legendary Edwin Moses, who was in the twilight of his renowned career. Young repeated that finish at the 1991 World Championships.

In 1992, Young won his first US National title and was unbeaten prior to the Barcelona Olympics, which he won in a world record time of 46.78. As of 2016, he remains the only person to run 400 m hurdles under 47 seconds. In 1993, Young won his second US National title and had a 25 consecutive win streak until he was beaten by Samuel Matete from Zambia just two weeks before the 1993 Worlds. However, in the World Championship final, Young again made a decisive move between hurdles seven and eight, and held his lead until the finish, defeating Matete by 0.42 seconds.

In 1992, Young was selected as Athlete of the Year by Track & Field News and United Press International. In 1993 he also received the ESPY Award for Best Male Track Athlete. After his 1992 and 1993 seasons, Young continued to compete for another few years, but never again reached that stratospheric level.

Personal Best: 400H – 46.78 (1992).