Women's 100mhurdles World Record
Yordanka Donkova
12.21
Yordanka Donkova
August 20th 1988
Athletics Meeting
Stara Zagora, Bulgaria
Having overcome a terrible childhood accident that resulted in her losing three fingers from her right hand, this Bulgarian emerged in 1986 as the world’s best high hurdler, winning the European Championships and setting three world records within the year. But she faltered in 1987, losing the record to her compatriot Ginka Zagorcheva and finishing fourth in the World Championships.
So, was she a spent force? Well, no.
She was remarkable in 1988: she won Olympic gold and by the end of the season held 13 of the 16 fastest times in history. Among them was a new world record – 12.21 – set at a low-key local meet.