Hurdling probably originated in England in the early 19th century, where such races were held at Eton College about 1837. In those days hurdlers merely ran at and jumped over each hurdle in turn, landing on both feet and checking their forward motion.

When was the first hurdle invented?

Hurdles was first invented around 1830, when the race was 91 meters long, and the hurdles were large wooden barriers. In 1888, the race length was extended to 110 meters long. Previously to 1896, the large wooden barriers were replaced with lighter hurdles,which would fall over when they were knocked or hit.

When did hurdles start in the Olympics?

The men's 110 metres hurdles has been present on the Olympic athletics programme since the first edition in 1896.