David Oliver (hurdler)
The 110-meter hurdler whose explosive power and consistency made him a world champion and one of America's fastest ever.
Born 1982 (age 44)·American hurdler·Birthday: April 24·Millennials
Biography
David Oliver emerged as a dominant force in the 110-meter hurdles during the late 2000s and early 2010s, known for his raw strength and blistering starts. The Denver native, who played college football at Howard University before focusing on track, brought a linebacker's physique to the lanes. His career was defined by remarkable consistency at the highest level, regularly challenging the world record. Oliver's pinnacle came at the 2013 World Championships in Moscow, where he seized the gold medal with a commanding performance. After retiring, he returned to his alma mater as the Director of Track & Field, shaping the next generation of athletes.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
David was born in 1982, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When David Was Born
The biggest hits of 1982
#1 Movie
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Best Picture
Gandhi
#1 TV Show
Dallas
David's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1982Born
Michael Jackson releases Thriller
Gas: $1.22/galHome: $55,200Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Physical" — Olivia Newton-JohnBest Picture: Gandhi
1987Started school
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1995Became a teenager
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
1998Could drive
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2000Could vote
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Turned 21
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2012Turned 30
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2022Turned 40
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2026Age 44 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the gold medal in the 110m hurdles at the 2013 IAAF World Championships in Moscow.
- Earned a bronze medal in the 110m hurdles at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.
- Set the American record in the 110m hurdles in 2010 with a time of 12.89 seconds, tying him as the third-fastest man in history at the time.
- Won three consecutive USA Outdoor national titles from 2010 to 2012.
Did You Know?
He was a standout wide receiver for the Howard University Bison football team before dedicating himself fully to track.
His personal best of 12.89 seconds stood as the American record for over a decade.
He is known for his detailed technical analysis of hurdle races on social media and broadcasts.
He is a cousin of former NFL star and Hall of Famer Cris Carter.
“You have to attack the hurdles, not let them attack you.”
