Former Iowa Star Jamal Britt Wins Pre Classic, Tate Taylor Stuns World

American track and field athletes delivered a spectacular show at the 2026 Prefontaine Classic on July 4, with former Iowa Hawkeye Jamal Britt taking down a world-record holder in the 110-meter hurdles and Texas high schooler Tate Taylor beating an Olympic champion in the 200-meter dash. The holiday event highlighted a rising generation of American talent grounded in hard work, faith and relentless perseverance.

How did former Iowa star Jamal Britt win the 110m hurdles?

Jamal Britt stole the show in the 110-meter hurdles, defeating world-record holder Ja'Kobe Tharp in a thrilling finish. Britt ran a personal best and meet record time of 12.86 seconds. Tharp, who shattered the world record at the NCAA Championships last month, finished second in 12.91.

Britt's victory is a testament to the power of perseverance. The 27-year-old spent much of his career competing without a sponsor, relying on sheer determination to stay in the sport. Earlier this week, his dedication paid off when he signed a major deal with Nike. Britt began his college career at the College of the Sequoias before transferring to the University of Iowa, where he developed into a standout hurdler.