Ottoz equalled the Olympic record in the heats, running 13.5 – an
Olympic best of 13.61 on electric timing. The three Americans –
Davenport 13.6 (13.65), Hall 13.7 (13.75) and Coleman 13.7 (13.77) –
were the next fastest. Taking advantage of a near-maximum legal wind
(1.8), Hall ran a lifetime best of 13.3 (13.38) to smash the Olympic
record, leading Ottoz – 13.5 (13.53) home in the first semi-final. In the
other heat Davenport duplicated Ottoz’s time in windless conditions
with Coleman right next to him in second with 13.5 (13.54).
Davenport blasted the start in the final, and was never threatened,
flowing to victory in 13.3, which on electric timing was 13.33, the
fastest ever run. Behind him Hall and Coleman battled for second, with
Ottoz in fourth after a dismal start. Coleman hit the sixth hurdle, and
Ottoz went past. He gained on Hall all the way to the finish, losing sil-
ver by 30cm.