Glenn Hardin

Glenn Hardin, born on July 1, 1910, in Derma, Mississippi, emerged as a formidable force in athletics during the 1930s, particularly in the 400 m hurdles. His athletic journey began at the 1932 Summer Olympics, where he secured a second-place finish in the 400 m hurdles with a time of fifty-two seconds. This performance was notable as it was later recognized as a world record due to a disqualification of the winner, Bob Tisdall, for knocking down a hurdle.

Hardin's prowess in the sport was further demonstrated when he shattered the world record at the 1934 AAU championships, clocking in at fifty-one point eight seconds, and subsequently improved it to fifty seconds and six tenths during a meet in Stockholm later that year. This remarkable achievement established a record that would remain unbroken for nineteen years, solidifying his status as the world's leading 400 m hurdler.

Between the 1932 and 1936 Olympics, Hardin's dominance continued as he claimed the AAU title in the 400 m hurdles in 1933, 1934, and 1936, alongside NCAA championships in 1933 and 1934 in the 440 yd hurdles. His illustrious career culminated at the Berlin Olympics, where he triumphed over Canadian athlete John Loaring by a narrow margin of point three seconds.

In addition to his individual accolades, Hardin was a vital member of the LSU Tigers outdoor track and field team, contributing to the school's first NCAA Championship victory in 1933, where he also secured two individual titles. His legacy in athletics was further honored with his induction into the USTFCCCA Collegiate Athlete Hall of Fame in 2024.