Speedendurance.com

Posted: 26 May 2010 09:00 PM PDT

In an attempt to draw more fans to the sport, we are seeing successful attempts at obscure world records.

Why? Everyone wants to witness a world record. Winning isn't enough for the average fans.

I wrote about chasing obscure indoor world records last year. This year, we are seeing attempts at:

100 yards: Asafa Powell in Ostrava
200 meter straight: see Tyson Gay Manchester 200 meter 19.41 World Record Video and 19.41 200 meter Splits
200 meter hurdles: see What is the World Record for the 200 meter Hurdles?
300 meter: Usain Bolt in Ostrava. See How Fast Can Usain Bolt Run the 300 meters?

For those who like SI, and I'm referring to the Systeme International or the metric system, not Sports Illustrated, then one kilometer is a standard distance. So why not half a kilometer, or 500 meters? The track (if you can call it that) at the 1900 Paris Olympics was 500 meters.

Imagine today sprinters lining up at the 100 meter start line in blocks and in lanes, then after 100 meters, they all break for the pole position? Can you spell PAIN at 300 meters with 200 meters to go? I have more respect for 800 meters runners.

Meet directors: Bring on the 500 meters!

What is the World Record for 100 Yards?

The official FAT (fully automatic timing) World ~~Record~~ Best for 100 yards is 9.21 by Charlie Greene back in 1967 (photo, left). A hand time of 9.0 was set by Ivory Crockett in 1974.

I am sure Asafa Powell will break that, given that 100 yards is 91.44 meters, and from 90 meter splits, we see that the range from 8.75 (Bolt '09) to 8.92 (Powell '05). Ben Johnson was 8.89 before showboating.

Given that Asafa is famous for shutting down at 90 meters when he's leading, this race will be perfect for him.

In all fairness, the Women's 100 yards split will be taken. The world ~~record~~ best is 10.0 by Chi Cheng (or 10.10 FAT) from 1970.

PHOTO CREDITS: Jeff Kroot SOURCE: Bud Winter Archives

300 meter World Record Video (with a twist)

Posted: 26 May 2010 09:01 AM PDT

Almost 20 years ago, both Danny Everett and Roberto Hernandez were credited with a world record time of 31.48 for the 300 meters. It was set on September 3, 1990 at Jerez de la Frontera, Spain, just 1 hour south by car from Seville.

Danny was declared the winner breaking the previous mark of 31.70 set by fellow American Kirk Baptiste in 1984.

Since then, only 2 men have broken that time.

On March 24, 2000, Michael Johnson set an altitude WR of 30.85A for 300 meters. More recently, LaShawn Merritt ran a 31.31 at the 2006 Road to Eugene '08. LaShawn also ran 31.30 in 2009 at a similar meet in Eugene, which is the current "sea-level world record". LaShawn must love ~~Enzyte~~ Eugene!

That is, of course, Usain Bolt breaks the world record tomorrow in Ostrava.

300 meter World Record Video (with a twist)

Now here is a lesson for all you kids out there (I'm making fun of Isiah Thomas when he tried broadcasting… this was the line he used over and over)

In this video, Roberto Hernandez (in black) thinks he's won the race, was given the victory flowers, and even does a victory lap!

Only after the official photo finish results were posted, we discover (at the very end of the video.. you'll have to skip the snow and fast forwards) they were both credited with the WR, but Danny Everett was declared the eventual winner.

Always lean for the tape and never celebrate unless you are absolutely certain you have won. In all fairness, Hernandez was probably celebrating his EWR.

The All-time men's best 300 meters can be found here which will need an update tomorrow! Here is the video on Youtube: