Kerron Clement
A Trinidadian-born hurdler whose raw speed shattered a Michael Johnson record and earned him multiple Olympic gold medals.
Born 1985 (age 41)·American track and field athlete·Birthday: October 31·Millennials
Biography
Kerron Clement's story is one of explosive power channeled into precise rhythm. Born in Trinidad and Tobago, he moved to the United States as a teenager, where his prodigious 400-meter flat speed quickly became apparent. In 2005, he stunned the track world by breaking Michael Johnson's hallowed indoor 400m world record, a feat that announced his arrival among the elite. But it was over the hurdles where he crafted his most enduring legacy. Combining his natural velocity with a relentless work ethic on technique, Clement became a pillar of U.S. dominance in the 400m hurdles. His career peaked at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where he anchored the gold medal-winning 4x400m relay team, and again in Rio 2016, where he finally claimed individual Olympic gold in his signature event, conquering the ten barriers in a display of controlled fury.
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.
Kerron was born in 1985, 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 Kerron Was Born
The biggest hits of 1985
#1 Movie
Back to the Future
Best Picture
Out of Africa
#1 TV Show
Dynasty
Kerron's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1985Born
Live Aid concerts raise money for Ethiopian famine
Gas: $1.12/galHome: $62,900Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Careless Whisper" — Wham!Best Picture: Out of Africa
1990Started school
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1998Became a teenager
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2001Could drive
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2003Could vote
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
2006Turned 21
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2015Turned 30
Paris climate agreement; same-sex marriage legalized in the US
Gas: $2.43/galHome: $171,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Uptown Funk" — Mark Ronson ft. Bruno MarsBest Picture: Spotlight
2025Turned 40
AI agents go mainstream
Gas: $3.10/galHome: $385,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"APT." — Rose & Bruno Mars
2026Age 41 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the Olympic gold medal in the 400-meter hurdles at the 2016 Rio Games.
- Anchored the gold medal-winning U.S. 4x400 meter relay team at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
- Broke Michael Johnson's indoor world record in the 400-meter sprint in 2005.
- Is a two-time World Champion in the 400-meter hurdles (2007, 2009).
Did You Know?
He initially gained attention as a standout 400m sprinter before focusing on the hurdles.
He attended the University of Florida, competing for the Florida Gators track team.
He represented the United States internationally after becoming a U.S. citizen.
“The 400-meter hurdles is a controlled sprint, a rhythm you must own.”
