World Record-Holder Ja’Kobe Tharp Survives Semifinal Scare to Claim 110m Hurdles Gold in Budapest

Redemption on the biggest stage

The world’s fastest high hurdler came perilously close to an early exit, only to remind everyone why he owns the record books. Ja’Kobe Tharp, the world record-holder in the men’s 110m hurdles, scraped through the semifinals as the sixth-fastest qualifier before producing a championship-winning performance to take gold at the World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest.

Tharp’s narrow escape in the semis set the stage for a dramatic turnaround. After a sluggish run that nearly cost him a lane in the final, the American reset and delivered when it mattered most, crossing the line first to secure the title. The victory marks one of the most notable comebacks of the meet, reinforcing Tharp’s ability to handle pressure and peak at the decisive moment.

The full race report, including final times and finishing order, is available in the official World Athletics race summary. The result adds another major global title to Tharp’s résumé and cements his status as the man to beat ahead of future championships.