JA’KOBE THARP RUNS 110H WORLD RECORD, HABTOM SAMUEL RECLAIMS 10K TITLE, DISTANCE FAVORITES MAKE IT THROUGH PRELIMS + MORE

The 2026 NCAA D1 Outdoor Championships kicked off at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon, with remarkable performances, notable among them was Jacoby Tharp's incredible world record of 12.75 seconds in the men's 110-meter hurdles semifinal. This record shattered Aries Merritt's 14-year-old mark and signaled a strong showing from Tharp, who is expected to perform again in the finals. Auburn University dominated the day, breaking the collegiate record in the men's 4x1 relay and qualifying multiple athletes for finals, including Kanyan Sola Ajayi, who had the fastest time in the men's 100 meters.

In the men's 10,000-meter final, Habdom Samuel showcased strategic pacing to win the race, demonstrating resilience after battling a side stitch. Other highlights included impressive performances in the field events, particularly Anulos Montserranes winning the men's hammer throw, and Dyson Wicker taking top honors in the pole vault. The Oregon team also put on a strong performance, showing early points from their athletes, and there's anticipation for more records and competitive racing in the coming days as top contenders in the 1500 and 800 meters prepare to face off.