> I think if the best 800 guys ran the 400 we would see a few 45s, a bunch
> of 46s and a whole lot of 47s. Many cannot break 48. For instance Marko
> Koers who I've seen run the 400 open several times hasn't broken 48 that I
> know of. I would guess he might hit 47.8 at the very best. There may be
> a couple of exceptions like Mark Everett.
About nine years ago I ran against Koers in a 400m which he won in 47.2
- 47.3. This despite the fact that Koers considers himself to be
primarily a 1500m man.
Dutch 800m hope Bram Som (1.44.01) has the third fastest 400m time ever
for a Dutch junior at 47.09.
Wilson Kipketer ran the first lap of his 1997 WR (1.41.24) in 48.10
seconds. His Kenyan rabbit, Joseph Tengelei, ran 47.8 - 47.9.
I think you do not give 800m runners enough credit. Based on personal
observation I would say the following times correspond roughly:
800m in 1. 55 = 400m in 50.0 - 52.0
800m in 1. 50 = 400m in 48.0 - 50.0
800m in 1.45 = 400m in 45.5 - 47.0
Of course, many 800m runners do not train specifically for the 400m and
few elite 800m athletes run competitive 400m races after their junior
period. But I am willing to bet that almost all top 800m athletes had
very competitive 400m times as juniors.
Elliott
