Photo: Mbx—CC BY-SA 3.0
Kevin Young
- Born
- Sep 16, 1966 (60 years old)
- Birthplace
- Watts, United States
- Events
- 400 m hurdles · 400 m
- Height
- 1.94 m
- Weight
- 82 kg
Kevin Young, born September 16, 1966, in Los Angeles, California, is a retired American 400 metres hurdler who made history at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. He became the first man to break the 47-second barrier in the event, setting a world record of 46.78 seconds that stood for 29 years.
Young's record-breaking run in the Olympic final was a masterclass of speed and technique, and it remains one of the defining performances of the Barcelona Games. His record was eventually broken by Karsten Warholm at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
As the holder of one of the longest-standing world records in athletics history, Young's legacy extends far beyond a single race. His achievement changed the perception of what was possible in the 400 metres hurdles and inspired a generation of athletes in the event.
As of Oct 28, 2026: 400 m hurdles 46.78 (#4 all-time), 400 m 45.11 (#504 all-time), 1999 season best 49.77 (May 8, 1999, Osaka (JPN)) · Olympic Games: 1 gold · World Championships: 1 gold · 60 years old
Personal bests
WA points calculator →Medals
| Competitions | Gold | Silver | Bronze | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Olympic Games | 1 | – | – | 1 |
| World Championships | 1 | – | – | 1 |
| Total | 2 | – | – | 2 |
Progression
| Season | Discipline | Result | Wind | Date | Competitions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | 400mH | 49.77 | – | May 8, 1999 | Osaka (JPN) |
| 1998 | 400m | 46.73 | – | Jun 17, 1998 | Athina (GRE) |
| 1998 | 400mH | 48.73 | – | May 16, 1998 | Clemson, SC (USA) |
| 1997 | 110mH | 14.33 | -0.4 | Jul 12, 1997 | Arnhem (NED) |
| 1997 | 400m | 47.70 | – | Mar 22, 1997 | Tuscaloosa, AL (USA) |
| 1997 | 400m-short-track | 47.79 | – | Feb 8, 1997 | – |
| 1997 | 400m-short-track Indoor | 47.79 | – | Feb 8, 1997 | Maebashi (JPN) (i) |
| 1997 | 400mH | 49.50 | – | Apr 20, 1997 | Walnut, CA (USA) |