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Aries Merritt (born July 24, 1985) is an American track and field athlete who specialized in the 110 metre hurdles, and currently holds the world record in that event with a time of 12.80 s set on September 7, 2012.[2][3] He won the gold medal in the 110 metre hurdles at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.

Key Information

Background

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Born in Chicago, Illinois, he moved to Marietta, Georgia at a young age, attending Joseph Wheeler High School, where he was teammates with Reggie Witherspoon. Merritt ran for the University of Tennessee from 2003 to 2006 and had a successful college career, a seven-time All-American. He took the 110 meter hurdles gold at the 2004 World Junior Championships and finished sixth at the 2006 World Athletics Final. Also in 2006, he won the NCAA Championships, Indoors and Outdoors and was undefeated in all hurdles events that year. He broke Willie Gault's Tennessee Volunteers hurdles record. His victory at the NCAA Championships in 13.21 s was the second fastest ever collegiate time in the United States, behind only Renaldo Nehemiah. He reached the World Athletics Final in 2008, finishing in fourth. Merritt is the first hurdler to ever win gold in the US Indoor Championship, the World Indoor Championship (Istanbul, Turkey), the US Olympic Trials, and the Olympic Games all in the same year.

Professional athletics career

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2011

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In the final of the 110 m hurdles at the 2011 World Championships in Athletics, Merritt was initially classified 6th, with a time of 13.67 s. After Dayron Robles was disqualified, Merritt was promoted to 5th. His season's best was 13.12 s, achieved in Eugene, Oregon and Oslo.

2012

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Merritt began the 2012 campaign by altering his approach to the first hurdle, switching from eight to seven steps.[4] In an interview he stated, "[it] was pretty risky to make a change like that, but something had to be done if I was going to compete with (Liu Xiang of China and Dayron Robles of Cuba). The change allows me to maintain my momentum going into the first barrier." Merrit's change was highly successful for the 2012 indoor season as he became the indoor world champion in the 60 meters hurdles at the 2012 World Indoor Championships in Istanbul. In the final, he beat Liu Xiang and Pascal Martinot-Lagarde with a time of 7.44 s.

2012 Summer Olympics

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See also: Athletics at the 2012 Summer Olympics

At the Olympic trials in Oregon, Merritt won the 110 meter hurdles final in a world leading time of 12.93 s,[5] making the Olympic team for the first time. Merritt subsequently matched the time at two consecutive Diamond League events, at Crystal Palace and Monaco, winning both races.

At the 2012 Olympic Games in London, Merritt began by running the fastest qualifying time in the heats with a time of 13.07 s. In the semi-finals, he was again dominant with a time of 12.94 s. In the final, Dayron Robles and Merritt got the fastest starts but Merritt pulled ahead at hurdle 3. He continued to a personal best of 12.92 s and a 0.12 s win over reigning world champion Jason Richardson.[6][7]

World record

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On September 7, 2012, at the final Diamond League meet (Memorial Van Damme) in Brussels, Belgium, Merritt ran a time of 12.80 s in the 110 meter hurdles, shattering the old world record of 12.87 s held by Dayron Robles. Merritt's performance was the largest drop in the world record for 110 meter hurdles (0.07 s) since Nehemiah in 1981.[8] Merrit ran consistently throughout the 2012 season. The following are his times that lead-up to his world record performance in the 110 meter hurdles:

Meet Date Time
2012 U.S. Olympic Trials (final) June 30, 2012 12.93
Aviva London Grand Prix July 13, 2012 12.93
Herculis July 20, 2012 12.93
2012 Summer Olympics (final) August 8, 2012 12.92
Aviva Birmingham Grand Prix August 26, 2012 12.95
Internationales Stadionfest September 2, 2012 12.97
Belgacom Memorial Van Damme September 7, 2012 12.80 World Record

2013

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Merritt finished 6th at the World Championships. After the competition, he felt very ill and was diagnosed with collapsing focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, a rare congenital kidney disease,[9] aggravated by a parvovirus that had attacked his kidneys and bone marrow.[10] After several months of medical treatment, he was eventually able to return to competition on the following year, albeit far from his previous registers.[11]

2015

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Merrit's recovery from his kidney problems was enough to allow him to finish third in the USATF Outdoor Championships in June, obtaining a place for the World Championship.[12] On 28 August he won the bronze medal in the 110 m hurdles, just four days before undergoing a scheduled kidney transplant.[11][13]

2017

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He won the 2017 IAAF Diamond League 110 m hurdles in Rome on June 8, 2017.

2021

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Merritt sought to qualify for the pandemic-delayed Tokyo Olympics in 2021 but did not succeed.[14]

Post-retirement

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Merritt served as an assistant coach for sprints and hurdles at Brown University 2022-2024.[15] In the fall of 2024 he was hired as an assistant coach at Texas State University.

Personal bests

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Event Best Location Date Note(s)
55 meters hurdles 7.10 s Gainesville, Florida, United States January 21, 2006
60 meters hurdles 7.43 s Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States February 26, 2012
110 meters hurdles 12.80 s Brussels, Belgium September 7, 2012 WR
200 meters 21.46 s Bloomington, Indiana, United States January 7, 2006
400 meters hurdles 51.94 s Knoxville, Tennessee, United States April 9, 2004

International competition record

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Year Competition Venue Position Event Notes
Representing  United States
2004 World Junior Championships Grosseto, Italy 1st 110 m hurdles 13.56 (wind: -0.6 m/s)
2009 World Championships Berlin, Germany 27th (h) 13.70
2011 World Championships Daegu, South Korea 5th 13.67
2012 World Indoor Championships Istanbul, Turkey 1st 60 m hurdles 7.44
Olympic Games London, United Kingdom 110 m hurdles 12.92
2013 World Championships Moscow, Russia 6th 13.31
2015 World Championships Beijing, China 3rd 13.04
2017 World Championships London, United Kingdom 5th 13.31
2018 World Indoor Championships Birmingham, United Kingdom 4th 60 m hurdles 7.56

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Aries Merritt

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from Grokipedia
Aries Merritt (born July 24, 1985) is an American former track and field athlete specializing in the 110-meter hurdles, renowned as the 2012 Olympic champion and the current holder in the event with a time of 12.80 seconds set on September 7, 2012, in , . Born in , , and a native of , Merritt rose to prominence after winning the gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics, defeating defending champion , and also claimed the world indoor title in the 60-meter hurdles that year. His career highlights include a at the 2015 World Championships despite severe health challenges, a 2005 world junior title, and a 2006 NCAA championship while competing for the , where he earned a in sports management in 2008. In 2013, Merritt was diagnosed with a genetic kidney disorder that led to renal failure, causing symptoms such as extreme fatigue, , and , which forced him to undergo dialysis and sparked unfounded doping rumors amid declining performances. His , LaShonda, donated a for a successful transplant in September 2015, just days after his World Championships bronze, enabling him to continue competing until his retirement in 2021 after a 15-year professional career sponsored by Nike and . Post-retirement, Merritt has transitioned into coaching as an assistant for sprints, hurdles, and relays at since joining the staff in 2024, while also serving as a since 2006 and engaging in community outreach in . Known for his humor and interests in television and video games, Merritt remains an influential figure in athletics, mentoring emerging hurdlers like Trey Cunningham.

Early Life and Education

Childhood and Family

Aries Merritt was born on July 24, 1985, in Chicago, Illinois. He moved to Marietta, Georgia, at a young age, where he spent the majority of his formative years. Merritt was raised in a single-parent household by his mother, Linda Hubbard, who managed limited resources while fostering resilience in her children. His father, Archie Merritt, was not involved in his upbringing. Merritt's older sister, LaToya Hubbard, eight years his senior, provided a protective yet tough influence, helping to prepare him for life's challenges through her "tough love" approach. The family dynamics emphasized perseverance and strong familial bonds, with his mother doing "the best she could with what she had" to support their needs. His mother's support extended to encouraging participation in school activities, which introduced Merritt to through local programs and high school athletics in Georgia. This early involvement laid the groundwork for his later achievements. In his pre-athletic years, Merritt focused on academics and , reflecting the family's values of and involvement beyond sports.

High School Achievements

Aries Merritt attended High School in , where he quickly emerged as a standout hurdler during his high school career. As a junior and senior, he competed in the Georgia High School Association's Class 5A division, excelling in the 110-meter hurdles and contributing to teams, which helped establish him as a top junior talent in the state. Merritt won the Georgia Class 5A state championship in the 110-meter hurdles in 2003, showcasing his dominance in the discipline. In his senior year of 2003, he went undefeated in the 110-meter hurdles throughout the season and claimed the Class 5A state title in the event, earning Best Performance honors at the championships. He also secured runner-up honors in the 300-meter hurdles that year, while his high school personal best in the 110-meter hurdles stood at 13.76 seconds and 36.71 seconds in the 300-meter hurdles. These performances highlighted his technical proficiency and speed, setting the stage for national recognition. His accomplishments earned him prestigious All-American honors, including selection to USA Today's All-USA High School Track Team as one of only eight hurdlers nationwide, as well as recognition from Track and Field News. This acclaim drew recruitment interest from top collegiate programs, ultimately leading him to commit to the , a powerhouse in . Family support played a key role in allowing Merritt to focus on his athletic development during these formative years.

Collegiate Career

Merritt enrolled at the in 2003 as a and majored in sports management. During his time with the Volunteers, he established himself as a dominant hurdler, competing in the 60m and 110m hurdles as well as sprints. His collegiate career spanned three seasons before he opted to turn professional in 2006, forgoing his senior year of eligibility. Merritt's breakout year came in 2006, when he went undefeated in the 110m hurdles throughout the season. He captured the NCAA Indoor Championships title in the 60m hurdles and followed it with a victory in the 110m hurdles at the NCAA Outdoor Championships, setting a meet record of 13.21 seconds. This performance not only broke the previous NCAA record held by Greg Foster since 1978 but also marked Merritt's personal best at the collegiate level. Over his career at , Merritt earned seven NCAA All-American honors, including accolades in both hurdles events and the 4x100m relay. He also set 14 , meet, and facility , claiming every high hurdles record for the . These accomplishments built on his strong high school foundation and positioned him as one of the top collegiate hurdlers of his era.

Professional Athletic Career

Early Professional Years (2004–2010)

Following his undefeated streak in collegiate hurdles events at the , Aries Merritt transitioned to professional competition with immediate international success. In July 2004, at the age of 18, he won the gold medal in the men's 110m hurdles at the World Junior Championships in , , recording a time of 13.56 seconds in the final to edge out Cuba's by 0.21 seconds. Merritt's early senior years focused on building consistency through domestic and minor international competitions. He made his senior international debut at the 2006 Final in , , where he placed sixth in the 110m hurdles field. In U.S. national meets, he steadily progressed: finishing sixth at the 2007 Outdoor Championships with 13.24 seconds ( +0.5 m/s), improving to fourth in 2008 with 13.27 seconds ( +3.5 m/s, aided), and securing third place in 2009 with a personal best of 13.15 seconds ( +1.7 m/s). By 2010, Merritt had established greater reliability in his performances, posting a season best of 13.25 seconds while competing on the U.S. circuit and refining his technique under coach Andreas Behm to emphasize smoother hurdle clearance and stride efficiency. These years laid the groundwork for his emergence as a top contender, with times consistently under 13.30 seconds demonstrating his growing prowess in the event.

Rise to International Prominence (2011)

In 2011, Aries Merritt emerged as a serious contender in the men's , posting a season-best time of 13.12 seconds on two occasions: first at the ExxonMobil Bislett Games in on 9 June, where he won the event ahead of Dwight Thomas (13.15 s) and Joel Brown (13.20 s), and later at the USATF Outdoor Championships in Eugene on 25 June, finishing second behind David Oliver's 13.04 s. These performances marked a breakthrough, placing Merritt among the world's top hurdlers and earning him points in the series through consistent high finishes, including a sixth-place result of 13.32 s at the Aviva Grand Prix on 5 August (wind -0.6 m/s). Merritt's momentum carried into the IAAF World Championships in , , where he advanced through the heats (13.36 s) and semifinals (13.32 s) before securing fifth place in the final on 29 August with a time of 13.67 s, tying with Great Britain's William Sharman but losing the tiebreak on reaction time. This result, in a field won by after Dayron Robles's disqualification, highlighted Merritt's ability to compete on the global stage against elite rivals like (fourth, 13.44 s) and Xiang (second, 13.27 s). Following the championships, Merritt's strong season drew greater media coverage in athletics outlets, positioning him as a rising American star ahead of the Olympic year, while his performances secured ongoing sponsorship support from , which had backed him since his professional debut.

Olympic Success and World Record (2012)

In 2012, Aries Merritt achieved his greatest success in the 110-meter hurdles, culminating in an Olympic gold medal at the London Games. On August 8, he won the final in 12.92 seconds, edging out teammate , who took silver in 13.04 seconds, while Jamaica's earned bronze in 13.12 seconds. This victory marked the first in the event since 1996 and was the second-fastest time ever recorded at the Olympics, behind only Liu Xiang's 12.91 from 2004. Merritt's performance built on his rising profile from 2011, where strong showings helped secure his Olympic qualification. Merritt's dominance extended beyond London, as he set a new world record later that year. On September 7, at the Diamond League's in , , he clocked 12.80 seconds with a +0.3 m/s , surpassing Dayron Robles's mark of 12.87 from 2008. This effort not only shattered the record but also highlighted Merritt's technical precision, as he executed a flawless start and cleared all hurdles efficiently. Throughout the 2012 season, Merritt remained undefeated in the 110-meter hurdles, winning every major competition he entered and recording eight legal sub-13-second performances—the most in a single year at that point. These included standout times like 12.94 in the Olympic semifinals and multiple victories, demonstrating his consistency under varying conditions. Central to Merritt's 2012 breakthroughs was a revamped training regimen under coach Andreas Behm, emphasizing a seven-step approach to the first hurdle instead of the traditional eight, which allowed for a more explosive start and better acceleration. He complemented this with dietary adjustments to maintain peak leanness and regular physiotherapy, including massages, to prevent injuries. Mentally, Merritt adopted a perfectionist , meticulously reviewing footage of each race to refine his technique and build unbreakable focus, crediting this preparation for his ability to perform under Olympic pressure.

World Championships and Initial Health Issues (2013–2014)

Following his world record-setting performance in 2012, Aries Merritt entered the 2013 season aiming to defend his Olympic title on the global stage. At the US Outdoor Championships in Des Moines, he secured bronze in the 110m hurdles with a time of 13.23 seconds, qualifying for the World Championships. However, at the World Championships in , Merritt finished sixth in the final with 13.31 seconds, a result that reflected emerging challenges in maintaining his explosive power over the full race distance compared to his 12.80-second from the previous year. Throughout the season, he reported feeling unusually fatigued, often running out of energy in the latter stages of races, which limited his ability to close strongly as he had in prior years. The onset of these issues became more apparent mid-2013. In , shortly after returning from a track meet in , Merritt experienced severe stomach pain, swollen legs, and foamy urine—early indicators of a serious condition. These symptoms prompted him to seek immediate medical help, leading to emergency room visits and initial consultations that uncovered abnormalities in his kidney function. The persistent he had noticed during competitions aligned with these physical signs, marking the beginning of a period where health concerns increasingly impacted his training and recovery. Entering 2014, Merritt's performance declined further amid ongoing fatigue, resulting in an abbreviated season and a personal best of 13.27 seconds in the 110m hurdles—well off his peak form and ranking him outside the top performers globally. The combination of reduced power and medical follow-ups limited his competitive outings, as he grappled with symptoms that made sustaining high-intensity efforts difficult.

Later Career and Challenges

Return After Transplant (2015–2016)

Following his diagnosis with (FSGS), a rare genetic disorder that had reduced his function to about 10 percent by mid-2015, Aries Merritt underwent a successful transplant on September 1, 2015, in . The donor was his older sister, LaToya Hubbard, who provided one of her kidneys in a living-donor procedure that required simultaneous surgeries for both siblings. Merritt's final major competition before the transplant occurred just days earlier at the 2015 IAAF World Championships in , where he earned a in the 110-meter hurdles with a season-best time of 13.04 seconds on August 28, despite his deteriorating health. This performance, achieved while competing on the brink of organ failure, highlighted his resilience but marked the end of his 2015 season. Post-transplant recovery in late 2015 and early 2016 involved a cautious rehabilitation process under medical supervision, focusing on rebuilding strength and monitoring the new organ's integration to avoid rejection risks. By spring 2016, Merritt resumed training gradually with his coach, Behm, emphasizing low-intensity sessions to restore endurance without overexertion. His competitive return began at the in April, where he placed fifth in 13.61 seconds, signaling a measured reentry into elite racing. Throughout 2016, Merritt's season featured incremental progress, culminating in a season-best of 13.22 seconds for fourth place at the U.S. Olympic Trials in , on July 9—insufficient to qualify for the Rio Olympics but a testament to his post-transplant adaptation. He also won the IAAF World Challenge in with 13.24 seconds in May, demonstrating steady improvement in technique and speed. During his recovery, Merritt actively advocated for , sharing his story at events like the to raise awareness and inspire potential donors, emphasizing the life-changing impact of living donations like his sister's. His public efforts, including interviews and appearances, underscored the feasibility of returning to high-level athletics after transplantation.

Final Competitive Years (2017–2021)

In 2017, Merritt demonstrated a strong resurgence following his kidney transplant recovery, securing victory in the men's 110m hurdles at the meet in with a time of 13.13 seconds. Later that year, he advanced to the final at the World Championships in , where he placed fifth with a time of 13.31 seconds, marking his return to competitive form on the global stage. This success highlighted his ability to compete at an elite level despite ongoing physical challenges. From 2018 to 2020, Merritt's performances remained inconsistent, impacted by lingering health concerns that limited his training and racing frequency. His standout result during this period came at the 2018 U.S. Championships, where he placed fourth with 13.52 seconds, though subsequent outings, such as a seventh-place finish of 13.49 seconds at the , underscored the variability in his times. These years reflected a period of perseverance, with Merritt occasionally posting marks around 13.3 seconds amid reduced appearances. Entering 2021, Merritt aimed for one final Olympic appearance in , viewing it as a potential capstone to his career. However, he did not advance to the final at the U.S. Olympic Trials in Eugene and retired later that year after a 15-year professional career, having sustained top-tier competition for over a decade following his 2012 and Olympic . The transplant from his sister in 2015 had notably enabled this extended participation by restoring his health sufficiently to continue competing.

Health Struggles

Diagnosis and Kidney Disease

In late 2013, Aries Merritt began experiencing symptoms that prompted , including persistent tiredness, drowsiness, swollen ankles, leg cramps, and an inability to process proteins effectively, leading to rapid and digestive issues. These signs, common in disorders, were initially attributed to the rigors of his training regimen but escalated after the , where his performance notably declined to sixth place. Merritt was diagnosed with collapsing (FSGS), a rare genetic form of disease, in October 2013 at the in . The condition, which disproportionately affects individuals of African descent, was confirmed through a revealing scarring in the glomeruli and high levels of —excess protein in the urine—alongside a complicating infection that exacerbated and damage. At the time of diagnosis, his function had plummeted to approximately 15%, marking the onset of significant renal impairment. The disease progressed rapidly despite initial interventions, with kidney function temporarily stabilizing but ultimately dropping below 20% by 2014 and reaching end-stage renal by mid-2015, characterized by scarred, minimally functional kidneys unable to filter waste adequately. Pre-transplant management included dietary restrictions limiting protein, sodium, and intake to reduce strain on the kidneys, as well as intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) therapy to combat the parvovirus infection, though this was discontinued due to adverse effects like . Immunosuppressant medications, such as corticosteroids, were also attempted to slow glomerular scarring and inflammation, but they proved insufficient to halt the progression in Merritt's collapsing variant of FSGS, which is notoriously resistant to such treatments.

Transplant and Recovery

On September 1, 2015, Aries Merritt underwent a kidney transplant surgery at Mayo Clinic Hospital in , receiving a donated from his older sister, LaToya Hubbard. The procedure was performed just days after Merritt won a bronze medal in the 110-meter hurdles at the , marking a critical step in addressing his (FSGS), a condition that had severely impaired his function. Merritt's initial recovery lasted several weeks, during which medical staff closely monitored his body's acceptance of the new organ to prevent rejection. He was prescribed lifelong anti-rejection immunosuppressant medications—three in total, taken every 12 hours—to suppress his and protect the transplant. However, a complication arose in October 2015 when a developed around the , necessitating a second that extended his downtime. Physical rehabilitation proved particularly challenging, as Merritt had to rebuild his strength and explosiveness after an enforced eight-week period of rest before resuming training. He began workouts at seven weeks post-transplant but faced ongoing and the difficulty of regaining the precise hurdle speed essential to his event, with his function reaching over 90% by late 2015 yet requiring gradual progression to avoid setbacks. Throughout the recovery, Merritt expressed profound emotional gratitude toward his donor and family, describing his sister's gift as providing him a "second chance at life" and crediting their unwavering support for bolstering his resilience during the vulnerable postoperative phase.

Post-Competition Life

Retirement Announcement

Aries Merritt effectively retired from professional competition at the conclusion of the 2021 season, marking the end of his 15-year career as a sponsored by Nike and . His final attempt to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics was thwarted by a torn calf muscle, which forced him to withdraw from the U.S. Olympic Trials in June 2021. In an April 2020 interview, Merritt publicly expressed his intention to retire following the Tokyo Games, stating, "But after that, I'm definitely going to retire. That will be the end of my story as an athlete." In the 2020 interview, at age 34 and nearly five years post-kidney transplant, Merritt cited the physical toll of the sport and his health history as factors in his decision to retire after the Tokyo Games, while emphasizing his passion for the sport by noting, "I'll probably end up coaching because I love the sport so much." This reflected a deliberate shift toward amid ongoing health considerations from his transplant recovery. Upon retirement, Merritt remained the world record holder in the 110-meter hurdles with his 12.80-second mark set in , alongside an Olympic from the same year and multiple medals. He immediately began planning his transition into coaching, leveraging his expertise to guide the next generation of hurdlers.

Coaching Career

Following his retirement from competitive , Aries Merritt began his coaching career as an assistant coach for sprints and hurdles at in November 2022. In this role, he worked with both men's and women's teams over two seasons (2022–2024), focusing on developing NCAA-level athletes through personalized guidance and technical drills. Merritt's approach emphasized intellectual engagement with athletes, encouraging them to ask "why" behind techniques to foster deeper understanding, drawing from the inquisitive environment at . Merritt's coaching philosophy centers on precision in technique and building resilience, informed by his own experiences as a world-record holder in the 110-meter hurdles. He often demonstrates hurdles and sprints personally to illustrate form, using his 12.80-second record from as a benchmark model for athletes struggling with mechanics. This hands-on method, combined with analysis of performances by elite hurdlers like , helps his athletes refine speed and rhythm while instilling to overcome setbacks. In September 2024, Merritt joined as an assistant coach overseeing sprints, hurdles, and relays, aiming to elevate the program's NCAA competitiveness through and rooted in high-performance systems. His extends beyond campus, as top professional athletes frequently seek his expertise on strategy and recovery, leveraging his background as an Olympic medalist. In August 2025, Merritt was inducted into the / Hall of Fame for his contributions to the sport, including his 2012 world record and Olympic . As of November 2025, he continues in his second season at , where the men's team tied for No. 21 nationally and recorded the fourth-best final ranking in program history during the 2025 outdoor season. At both institutions, Merritt has guided emerging hurdlers to improved times and technical proficiency, prioritizing over short-term gains.

Personal Life and Legacy

Off-Field Interests

Merritt earned a in sports management, along with a minor in , from the in 2008. Beyond his athletic pursuits, Merritt maintains an interest in video games, dedicating significant time to playing competitive titles such as during his downtime. He also enjoys watching television and is known for his sense of humor, often making people laugh. He participates in community events in the Knoxville, Tennessee area, where he has longstanding ties from his college years. Post-retirement, Merritt has prioritized a balanced lifestyle that includes quality time with family. Since 2006, Merritt has engaged in motivational speaking engagements for live and online audiences, frequently emphasizing themes of perseverance drawn from his experiences in track and field.

Philanthropy and Advocacy

Following his transplant in 2015, Aries Merritt has emerged as a prominent for and kidney health awareness, sharing his personal journey to encourage others facing similar challenges. His experiences with (FSGS) and transplantation have positioned him as an inspirational figure for transplant recipients and those awaiting donors, emphasizing resilience and the importance of living donation. Merritt's advocacy extends to collaborations with organizations like the National Kidney Foundation, where his story is highlighted in educational campaigns during to raise awareness about FSGS and its disproportionate impact on . These efforts underscore the need for early detection and treatment of kidney diseases, drawing on Merritt's own diagnosis in and subsequent recovery. In addition to national initiatives, Merritt engages in local community outreach in the area, conducting youth clinics to mentor young athletes and promote healthy lifestyles. Through these programs, he inspires children by demonstrating how overcoming personal health obstacles can fuel determination both on and off the track. Merritt's role as a has been widely recognized, with his perseverance celebrated in media profiles and organizational spotlights that highlight his contributions to advocacy. In August 2025, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame, further cementing his legacy in the sport.

Achievements and Records

Personal Bests

Aries Merritt achieved his career-defining performance in the 110 meters hurdles with a time of 12.80 seconds on September 7, 2012, in , establishing the current and American record. This mark highlighted his explosive speed and technical precision over the barriers, surpassing the previous by 0.07 seconds. In the indoor 60 meters hurdles, Merritt's personal best stands at 7.43 seconds, recorded on February 26, 2012, in , which underscored his dominance in shorter hurdle races during his peak years. He also excelled in sprint events, posting a best of 20.82 seconds in the 200 meters on July 26, 2008, at in , demonstrating his versatility as a speed-endurance .
EventTimeDateLocation
110m Hurdles12.80 s7 Sep 2012Brussels, Belgium
60m Hurdles7.43 s26 Feb 2012Albuquerque, NM, USA
200m20.82 s26 Jul 2008,
Merritt's progression in the 110 meters hurdles evolved markedly from his collegiate days, where he set a personal best of 13.21 seconds to win the 2006 NCAA Outdoor Championships, breaking a long-standing meet record and signaling his potential for elite-level success. This improvement continued into his professional career, culminating in sub-13-second consistency and the in 2012, reflecting refined technique and targeted training under coach Andreas Behm.

Major Titles and Honors

Aries Merritt achieved his pinnacle international success by winning the gold medal in the men's 110-meter hurdles at the in , clocking a time of 12.92 seconds to edge out fellow American . At the , he earned a bronze medal in the 110-meter hurdles at the 2015 edition in , finishing third in 13.04 seconds despite battling severe that limited his training. Earlier, Merritt secured gold in the 60-meter hurdles at the 2012 in , running 7.44 seconds for his first global indoor title. During his collegiate career at the , Merritt claimed titles in both the 60-meter hurdles (7.51 seconds) at the 2006 indoor championships and the 110-meter hurdles (13.21 seconds) at the outdoor championships that year, remaining undefeated in hurdles throughout the season. He was recognized as a seven-time All-American across his four years, highlighting his dominance in NCAA competition. Merritt's standout 2012 season also garnered significant accolades, including a finalist spot for the World Athlete of the Year award alongside and . He was a finalist for the Award, track and field's top American honor, and received the USATF Fans' Choice Breakthrough award for his Olympic and performances. Additionally, Merritt won the 2012 overall title in the 110-meter hurdles, accumulating the highest points across the series' meets.

International Competition Summary

Aries Merritt's international competition career in the 110m hurdles and 60m hurdles highlighted his prowess at the highest levels, beginning with junior success and peaking in before health challenges influenced later performances. He competed in multiple Olympics, World Championships, World Indoor Championships, and meets from 2004 to 2021, securing two gold medals, one bronze, and consistent top finishes in finals.
YearEventLocationPlacementTime
2004World Junior Championships (110mH)Grosseto, Italy1st13.56
2011World Championships (110mH)Daegu, South Korea5th13.67
2012World Indoor Championships (60mH)Istanbul, Turkey1st7.44
2012 (110mH)London, United Kingdom1st12.92
2012Diamond League Final (110mH)Brussels, Belgium1st12.80 (WR)
2013World Championships (110mH)Moscow, Russia6th13.31
2015World Championships (110mH)Beijing, China3rd13.04
2017World Championships (110mH)London, United Kingdom5th13.31
In major hurdles finals across these championships, Merritt compiled a record of 2 wins, 1 , and three additional top-six finishes, demonstrating resilience amid evolving competition. He also won nine Diamond League meetings between 2011 and 2017, including victories in (2012, 13.05), (2012, 13.18), and (2017, 13.13), contributing to his 2012 overall title. Sources:

References

  1. https://worldathletics.org/athletes/united-states/aries-merritt-14245965
  2. https://www.usatf.org/athlete-bios/aries-merritt
  3. https://www.teamusa.com/profiles/aries-merritt-907878
  4. https://txst.com/staff-directory/aries-merritt/839
  5. https://www.olympics.com/en/news/aries-merritt-my-sister--gave-me-a-second-chance-at-life
  6. https://www.nbcsports.com/olympics/news/aries-merritt-reaches-worlds-amid-kidney-disease-battle
  7. https://txst.com/news/2024/9/12/olympic-champion-aries-merritt-set-to-join-the-texas-state-track-and-field-staff
  8. https://www.si.com/olympics/2016/07/07/aries-merritt-kidney-transplant-us-olympic-track-and-field-trials-1
  9. https://utsports.com/sports/2017/6/15/blog-2012-07-happy-birthday-july-24-us-olympian-aries-merritt-html
  10. http://www.globalathletics.com/users/62/65/aries-merritt.php
  11. https://www.ajc.com/sports/with-gift-sister-kidney-merritt-seeks-more-olympic-gold/umfms55BEQp6IW4gD8fXbL/
  12. https://utsports.com/news/2003/12/6/Merritt_Wins_60_Meter_Hurdles_to_Cap_Clemson_Opener
  13. https://txst.com/sports/track-and-field/roster/coaches/aries-merritt/1805
  14. https://utsports.com/news/2006/6/14/MERRITT_TO_FORGO_FINAL_SEASON_OF_COLLEGE_ELIGIBILITY_ENTER_PROFESSIONAL_RANKS
  15. https://utsports.com/news/2006/6/13/MERRITT_NAMED_UT_MALE_ATHLETE_OF_THE_YEAR
  16. https://www.ustfccca.org/ncaa-100/aries-merritt-tennessee-2006-ncaa-di-outdoor-track-field-championships-110-hurdles-meet-record
  17. https://worldathletics.org/results/iaaf-world-u20-championships/2004/10th-iaaf-world-junior-championships-6908338/men/110-metres-hurdles/final/result
  18. https://worldathletics.org/results/iaaf-world-athletics-final/2006/4th-iaaf-world-athletics-final-6914375/men/110-metres-hurdles/final/startlist
  19. https://trackandfieldnews.com/history-of-us-nationals-results-110-hurdles-men/
  20. https://www.elitetrack.com/blogs-details-7385/
  21. https://worldathletics.org/competitions/diamond-league/exxonmobil-bislett-games-7021600/results/men/110-metres-hurdles/final/result
  22. https://www.milesplit.com/meets/93215-usatf-outdoor-track-and-field-championships-2011/results/162999/raw
  23. https://worldathletics.org/results/diamond-league-meetings/2011/crystal-palace-aviva-london-grand-prix-7021607/men/110-metres-hurdles/final/result
  24. https://worldathletics.org/results/world-athletics-championships/2011/13th-iaaf-world-championships-in-athletics-7003367/men/110-metres-hurdles/final/result
  25. https://www.olympics.com/en/olympic-games/london-2012/results/athletics/110m-hurdles-men
  26. https://worldathletics.org/competitions/olympic-games/the-xxxiii-olympic-games-7153115/news/article/london-2012-event-report-mens-110m-hurdle
  27. https://www.si.com/more-sports/2012/08/08/aries-merritt-gold-medal
  28. https://worldathletics.org/records/by-discipline/hurdles/110-metres-hurdles/outdoor/men
  29. https://www.diamondleague.com/throwback-thursday-aries-merritt-breaks-the-world-record/
  30. https://worldathletics.org/news/news/2012-end-of-year-reviews-hurdles
  31. https://www.latimes.com/sports/la-xpm-2012-sep-07-la-sp-sn-aries-merritt-world-record-20120907-story.html
  32. https://12thman.com/news/2012/9/7/205681504
  33. https://speedendurance.com/2013/05/30/aires-merritt-7-steps-to-success/
  34. https://worldathletics.org/competitions/world-athletics-championships/12th-iaaf-world-championships-7003368/results/men/110-metres-hurdles/final/result
  35. https://worldathletics.org/news/feature/aries-merritt-kidney-transplant-2017
  36. https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/olympics/2015/09/04/kidney-transplant-puts-olympian-hurdler-aries-merritts-2016-hopes-back-track/71590342/
  37. https://www.espn.com/espn/feature/story/_/id/16942497/how-aries-merritt-recovered-kidney-transplant-reach-olympic-trials
  38. https://www.bbc.com/sport/athletics/34068182
  39. https://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/29/sports/days-before-kidney-transplant-aries-merritt-wins-bronze-in-hurdles.html
  40. https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/new-kidney-from-sister-gives-hurdler-a-chance-at-2016-olympics/
  41. https://worldathletics.org/results/world-athletics-championships/2015/15th-iaaf-world-championships-7078726/men/110-metres-hurdles/final/result
  42. https://www.espn.com/olympics/trackandfield/story/_/id/13529430/2015-iaaf-world-championships-friday
  43. https://godrakebulldogs.com/custompages/Statistics/Relays/2016/2016DrakeRelaysSat.pdf
  44. https://worldathletics.org/records/toplists/hurdles/110-metres-hurdles/all/men/senior/2016
  45. https://worldathletics.org/en/competitions/world-athletics-challenge/2016-iaaf-world-challenge-beijing-7093325/results/men/110-metres-hurdles/final/result
  46. https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/sports/college/drake/drake-relays/2016/04/23/ex-olympic-champ-aries-merritt-continues-return-after-kidney-transplant/83315270/
  47. https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/olympics/rio-2016/2016/04/29/aries-merritt-amazing-comeback-continues-drake-relays/83652866/
  48. https://www.watchathletics.com/article/10089/results-rome-diamond-league-2017
  49. https://worldathletics.org/competitions/world-athletics-championships/iaafworld-championships-london-2017-7093740/results/men/110-metres-hurdles/final/result
  50. https://www.nbcsports.com/olympics/news/aries-merritt-retire-track-and-field-hurdles
  51. https://worldathletics.org/competitions/diamond-league/herculis-7120996/results/men/110-metres-hurdles/final/result
  52. https://www.newsday.com/sports/olympics/aries-merritt-track-o06068
  53. https://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/08/sports/olympics/aries-merritt-hurdler-kidney-transplant.html
  54. https://worldathletics.org/news/feature/aries-merritt-hurdles-kidney-disease
  55. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/humankind/2015/09/04/olympian-gets-new-kidney-only-days-after-winning-medal/71709170/
  56. https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2649479-hurdles-champ-aries-merritt-set-to-fly-again-9-months-after-kidney-transplant
  57. https://people.com/sports/aries-merritt-on-vying-for-the-olympics-after-a-kidney-transplant/
  58. https://www.runblogrun.com/2015/10/aries-merritt-on-the-mend-olympic-champion-wr-holder-recovering-from-kidney-transplant-by-dave-hunte.html
  59. https://www.si.com/olympics/2021/06/18/us-olympic-track-and-field-trials-tokyo-sprint-field-events
  60. https://brownbears.com/news/2022/11/16/mens-track-field-track-and-field-announces-additions-of-olympians-merritt-and-forbes-to-coaching-staff.aspx
  61. https://brownbears.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/coaches/aries-merritt/6268
  62. https://www.brownalumnimagazine.com/articles/2023-04-11/olympians-aries-merritt-damar-forbes
  63. https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2024/jun/21/vols-track-great-aries-merritt-has-new-roles-as/
  64. https://brussels.diamondleague.com/en/aries-merritt-and-william-van-dijck-inducted-into-hall-of-fame/
  65. https://www.milesplit.com/articles/87295/aries-merritt-the-gamer
  66. https://usatf.org/athlete-bios/aries-merritt
  67. https://www.nkfi.org/post/black-history-month-1
  68. https://www.kidney.org/news-stories/6-black-african-american-icons-and-their-journey-kidney-disease
  69. https://www.olympedia.org/athletes/126580
  70. https://www.si.com/more-sports/2012/11/05/iaaf-world-athlete-year-ap
  71. https://worldathletics.org/news/news/felix-and-eaton-win-2012-jesse-owens-award
  72. https://www.diamondleague.com/athlete/14245965/
  73. https://www.olympics.com/en/athletes/aries-merritt
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