400 Metres Hurdles

How it works

Competitors run once around a 400m track and clear ten evenly-spaced hurdles in the process. They start from blocks placed in staggered positions and run in lanes.

A reaction time – measured by sensors in the starting pistol and on the blocks – of less than 0.1 is deemed a false start and all the runners are recalled. After one false start anyone responsible for a subsequent false start is disqualified immediately. A runner can also be disqualified if he or she steps out of their designated lane.

Men jump hurdles that are 36in (91.4cm) high; women negotiate 30in (76.2cm) barriers. The hurdles are knocked down easily if touched, which allows the athlete to continue even if he or she collides with them.

History

The first 440-yard hurdles race was staged in Oxford, England, circa 1860. Competitors had to tackle 12 huge (100cm) wooden barriers that were sunk into the ground.

The 400m hurdles became a standard discipline for men at the 1900 Olympics. Eighty-four years later, women contested the event at the Games in Los Angeles.

Did you know

When Nawal El Moutawakel of Morocco won the inaugural women’s title in 1984 she became the first African female Olympic champion, as well as the first champion from an Islamic nation.

Gold standard

The USA has racked up 18 Olympic titles in the men’s event. The Caribbean nations also pose a strong threat. Surprisingly America’s women have never won Olympic gold but they remain one of the stronger nations, along with Russia and Australia.