400 metres Hurdles, Men

In 1960 at Roma, the United States swept the medals in the 400 hurdles. No medal sweep had occurred in the event since that year, until Beijing. The favorite prior to Beijing was Kerron Clement, the 2007 World Champion. But the US team was formidable, as he was backed up by Angelo Taylor, the 2000 Olympic gold medalist, and Bershawn Jackson, the 2005 World Champion. But the event was dominated by Taylor, who added his second gold medal, using his great 400 flat speed – he was bronze medalist in that event at the 2007 World Championships. He had the fastest time in the first round (48.67) and the semi-finals (47.94). In the final he was in lane six with Jackson outside him in seven, and Clement in lane three. Taylor chased down Jackson and caught him on the backstretch. Clement was well back early but gathered strength on the final curve and was able to catch Jackson on the run-in to win the silver medal. Clement was closing very strongly when he had to cut his stride at the last hurdle, but by then Taylor had a comfortable lead. The defending Olympic Champion, Félix Sánchez, second at the 2007 Worlds, was injured and did not get out of the heats.