200 metres Hurdles, Men

Al Kraenzlein won his fourth individual championship of the 1900 track & field program, a still unmatched feat. So much did he outclass the field that his victories were described by The New York Times as basically walkovers. Nobody got within four yards of him in his heat, which he won despite jogging the last half of the race. In the final he was penalized a yard for a false start, but still dashed off to a five-yard margin of victory. He announced his retirement immediately after the race, although he did compete briefly in 1901.

Kraenzlein was a top sprinter and jumper, witness his long jump world records and 60 metre dash victory in Paris. Though these abilities are obviously very helpful to hurdlers, his hurdling prowess was as much die to his technique as anything else. He has been termed the “father of modern hurdlers” for his use of the straight-leg lead with a bent-trail leg.