David Oliver, American hurdler

Born on April 24, 1982, David Oliver emerged as a formidable force in the world of track and field, specifically dominating the demanding discipline of hurdling. This accomplished American athlete, now retired from professional competition, made his indelible mark on both indoor and outdoor tracks, challenging the boundaries of speed and precision in the 110-meter and 60-meter hurdles events. His career was characterized by consistent excellence, leading to numerous national titles and significant international medals.

A Champion's Journey: International Triumphs

Oliver's career was richly adorned with a series of significant international accolades, showcasing his prowess on the global stage. One of his most defining moments came at the 2013 World Championships held in Moscow, Russia, where he clinched the coveted gold medal in the 110-meter hurdles. His winning time of 13.00 seconds solidified his position as the world champion, a testament to years of dedicated training and unwavering focus against the world’s best. Prior to this crowning achievement, his Olympic debut at the 2008 Beijing Games saw him earn a cherished bronze medal in the fiercely competitive 110-meter hurdles, a significant accomplishment for any track and field athlete. He continued to demonstrate his consistency and skill by securing another bronze medal at the 2010 IAAF World Indoor Championships, this time in the equally challenging 60-meter hurdles event, proving his versatility across different formats of the sport.

National Dominance and American Records

Domestically, David Oliver was a perennial leader in American hurdling, a nation renowned for its deep talent pool in track and field. He proudly held the American record in the 110-meter hurdles for a period, a testament to his exceptional speed and technical mastery among the nation's elite. His success was also reflected in his impressive collection of four U.S. Championship titles, underscoring his dominance on home soil. The year 2008 was particularly stellar, as he claimed both the indoor and outdoor national championships, a rare double. He continued his reign by adding a second outdoor title at the 2010 USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships and securing a third at the 2011 edition, cementing his status as a national powerhouse. Beyond national borders, he also struck gold at the prestigious 2008 IAAF World Athletics Final, further establishing himself as an elite competitor on the international circuit.

A Legacy of Speed: Personal Bests and Retirement

David Oliver’s athleticism is perhaps best encapsulated by his remarkable personal best in the 110-meter hurdles: an astonishing 12.89 seconds. When he achieved this incredible feat, it placed him fourth on the all-time list for the event globally, a clear indicator of his world-class speed and technical mastery in a discipline where every hundredth of a second matters. By the time he officially retired from professional athletics at the conclusion of the 2017 season, his personal best still ranked him fifth globally, a testament to the enduring quality of his performance and his place among the sport's legends. His graceful departure from professional competition marked the end of an era for a dominant figure in American and international hurdling, leaving behind a rich legacy of determination, electrifying speed, and championship victories that continue to inspire.

Frequently Asked Questions About David Oliver

What events did David Oliver primarily compete in?

David Oliver primarily competed in the 110-meter hurdles outdoors and the 60-meter hurdles indoors during his illustrious professional career.

Did David Oliver win an Olympic medal?

Yes, David Oliver won a bronze medal in the 110-meter hurdles at the 2008 Olympic Games held in Beijing, China.

When did David Oliver win his World Championship gold medal?

He won the gold medal in the 110-meter hurdles at the 2013 World Championships in Moscow, Russia, with a time of 13.00 seconds.

What was David Oliver's personal best in the 110-meter hurdles?

His personal best in the 110-meter hurdles was an impressive 12.89 seconds, which at the time he ran it, ranked him fourth on the all-time list globally.

When did David Oliver retire from professional athletics?

David Oliver officially retired from professional athletics at the end of the 2017 season.

How many U.S. Championship titles did David Oliver win?

He won a total of four U.S. Championship titles, comprising both indoor and outdoor events throughout his career.