Thomson had won the IC4A title in May in a world record 14.4, and
was a clear favourite, but was beaten by Barron by 2m in 15.2 in the
first round. The two men then won their semi-finals in 15.0, equalling
the Olympic record. In the final Barron was drawn in lane 1 with
Thomson in the outside lane.
Thomson, using his double arm shift whereby both arms were thrust
forward as he crossed the hurdle, was the first man to rise at the first
obstacle, inches ahead of Wilson and Barron. He was threatened by the
American for the first half of the race, and then the strength of the big
(1.90/84kg) Canadian began to tell. He won by just under 2m in a met-
ric world record of 14.8, with Barron an equal distance clear of Murray
and Wilson. Though a world record, this time was 0.4 seconds slower
than his best over 120 yards (109.73m).
CAn
USA
NZL
SWE
