In this episode of Pending Ratification, Auburn University hurdle star Ja’Kobe Tharp sits down with Keenan Gray. A 2025 Bowerman Award finalist, Tharp shares his journey from a basketball-loving kid in Tennessee to a world-class hurdler.

Tharp breaks down how he got started hurdling, the importance of hard work and belief in oneself, the importance of key friendships and family support, pivotal moments that shaped his athletic career, and dives into his passion for anime and real estate.

In 2025, Tharp became only the fifth athlete over the past 15 years to win both the NCAA indoor 60m hurdle title and NCAA outdoor 110m hurdle title. He carried that momentum to the USATF Outdoor Championships where he won the 110m hurdle title. At the World Athletics Championships, Tharp placed sixth in the 110m hurdle final.

Follow Tharp on Instagram at @jthurdles and stay up to date on her latest running accomplishments on Athletic.

Pending Ratification offers an in-depth look at the stars of track and field and cross country. Hosted by Keenan Gray, the series moves beyond race results and records to explore the experiences, perspectives, and personal stories that shape the athletes at the center of the sport.

Find Pending Ratification on RunnerSpace.com, AthleticTV, youtube.com/runnerspace and your favorite podcast platforms like Spotify & Apple Podcasts.