Glenn Hardin
A lanky Louisiana engineer who revolutionized the 400-meter hurdles with his elongated stride and relentless pace, claiming Olympic glory.
1910–1975 (age 65)·American athlete·Birthday: July 1·The Greatest Generation
Biography
Glenn 'Slats' Hardin didn't just win races; he changed how his event was run. With a tall, lean frame that earned him his nickname, the Louisiana State University graduate approached the 400-meter hurdles like a problem in engineering—which was his chosen profession. He analyzed stride patterns and perfected a technique that used fewer steps between barriers, maintaining a punishing speed that left competitors struggling. After taking silver in 1932, he was virtually unbeatable for the next four years, stringing together 38 consecutive victories. At the 1936 Berlin Olympics, his strategy executed to perfection, he surged ahead off the final turn to win gold. Hardin's methodical, powerful style set a new standard, proving that the event demanded not just stamina, but precise, intelligent execution.
The Greatest Generation
1901–1927
Grew up during the Depression, fought World War II, and built the postwar economic boom. Defined by shared sacrifice, institutional trust, and a belief that hard work and loyalty would be rewarded.
Glenn was born in 1910, placing them squarely in The Greatest Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Glenn Was Born
The biggest hits of 1910
Glenn's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1910Born
Halley's Comet makes its closest approach
President: William Howard Taft
1915Started school
The Lusitania is sunk by a German U-boat
President: Woodrow Wilson
1923Became a teenager
The Great Kanto earthquake devastates Tokyo
President: Calvin Coolidge"Yes! We Have No Bananas" — Billy Jones
1926Could drive
Robert Goddard launches the first liquid-fueled rocket
President: Calvin Coolidge"Baby Face" — Jan Garber
1928Could vote
Alexander Fleming discovers penicillin; Mickey Mouse debuts
President: Calvin Coolidge"Ol' Man River" — Paul WhitemanBest Picture: Wings
1931Turned 21
The Empire State Building opens as the world's tallest
Gas: $0.17/galPresident: Herbert Hoover"Minnie the Moocher" — Cab CallowayBest Picture: Cimarron
1940Turned 30
The Blitz: Germany bombs London
Gas: $0.18/galHome: $2,938Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"I'll Never Smile Again" — Tommy DorseyBest Picture: Rebecca
1950Turned 40
Korean War begins
Gas: $0.27/galHome: $7,354Min wage: $0.75/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Goodnight Irene" — Gordon Jenkins & The WeaversBest Picture: All About Eve
1960Turned 50
Kennedy-Nixon debates become first televised presidential debates
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $11,900Min wage: $1.00/hrPresident: Dwight D. Eisenhower"Theme from A Summer Place" — Percy FaithBest Picture: The Apartment
1970Turned 60
First Earth Day; The Beatles break up
Gas: $0.36/galHome: $17,000Min wage: $1.60/hrPresident: Richard Nixon"Bridge over Troubled Water" — Simon & GarfunkelBest Picture: Patton
1975Died at 65
Fall of Saigon ends the Vietnam War
Gas: $0.57/galHome: $27,600Min wage: $2.10/hrPresident: Gerald Ford"Love Will Keep Us Together" — Captain & TennilleBest Picture: One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
Key Achievements
- Won the Olympic gold medal in the 400-meter hurdles at the 1936 Berlin Games.
- Set multiple world records in the 400-meter hurdles during his dominant period in the mid-1930s.
- Won the silver medal in the 400-meter hurdles at the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics.
Did You Know?
His nickname 'Slats' referred to his tall, thin build.
He worked as a petroleum engineer for Gulf Oil for most of his professional life outside of athletics.
He served as a lieutenant commander in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
“I measured the track and counted my steps to find the perfect rhythm.”
