On June 21, 1960 at Letzigrund Stadium in Zurich Hary ran into the history books by running the 100m in 10.0 seconds, a new word record.

Considered the fastest starter in the world, Hary was periodically tested for his quick reaction time, it was discovered that he had extraordinary reflexes.

The new IAAF false start rule of 0.100 is based on the fact that no human besides Hary has ever been able to react faster to the sound of the gun.

[9] He was also the first track star to be affected by the rivalry between Adidas and Puma; each of the two then-fledgling companies wanted the "world's fastest man" to wear its shoes at the 1960 Olympics, putting him right in the middle of the Dassler brother feud.

Wearing Puma spikes on the track in his 100 meter final and Adidas shoes on the victory stand when receiving his gold medal.