A world record time of 12.87 seconds set in June 2008 at the Golden Spike Ostrava meet established Dayron Robles as a force in the 110-metre hurdles. Born in 1986 in Guantánamo, Cuba, the athlete carved a career in international track and field by consistently recording times that challenged the established limits of his event.
Early International Success
Robles emerged on the international stage at the 2004 World Junior Championships in Athletics, securing a silver medal in the 110-metre hurdles. By 2006, his progression continued with a silver medal in the 60-metre hurdles at the World Indoor Championships in Moscow, where he clocked 7.46 seconds. That same year, he improved his outdoor performance to 13 seconds and claimed victory at the Central American and Caribbean Games.
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The year 2008 represented a career pinnacle. Beyond his world record performance in Ostrava, Robles entered the Beijing Olympics as a primary contender. Following the withdrawal of Liu Xiang due to injury, Robles secured the gold medal with a time of 12.93 seconds. Earlier that year, he had established a Panamerican indoor record of 7.33 seconds at the PSD Bank Meeting, placing him as the second-fastest athlete in that distance behind Colin Jackson.
Injury and Disqualification Challenges
Physical setbacks frequently hampered his momentum. A muscular injury prevented him from finishing his semi-final at the 2009 IAAF World Championships. He returned to secure gold at the 2010 IAAF World Indoor Championships, clocking 7.34 seconds. Controversy marked his 2011 season when he crossed the line first at the World Athletics Championships in 13.14 seconds, only to be disqualified for violating rule 163.2 regarding obstruction of Liu Xiang.
Fast facts
- Born: 1986, Guantánamo, Cuba
- Sport: Athletics
- Specialty: 110 metre hurdles
- 2008 Olympic Gold: 12.93 seconds
- World Record: 12.87 seconds (2008)
- Languages: Spanish
- Citizenship: Cuba
Questions readers ask
Did Dayron Robles win an Olympic gold medal?
Yes, he won the gold medal in the 110-metre hurdles at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Why was he disqualified at the 2011 World Championships?
He was disqualified for violating rule 163.2, which prohibits the obstruction of another competitor.
Achievements
- Competed at athletics at the 2008 Summer Olympics, athletics at the 2012 Summer Olympics and athletics at the 2016 Summer Olympics
- Discipline: athletics
