Speedendurance.com

1968 Mexico City Olympics: The Forgotten 800 meters

Posted: 19 May 2011 01:00 AM PDT

When you think of the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, you immediately think of the Black Power Salute of the 200 meters, Kip Keino and Jim Ryan in the "rabbited" 1500 meters, the Bob Beamon Long Jump, and Dick Fosbury's High Jump.

These events are etched in Gold.

Some people may even remember the Marathon. Not for the winner, Mamo Wolde of Ethiopia, but for the guy who finished last: John Stephen Akwari

For me, I talk about the 400 meters and the 4×400m all the time. What the hell did you expect? This site is called Speedendurance after all)

POP QUIZ: Who won the 800m?

Ah hah, you had a blank moment.

Come on, it wasn't an African, American, or European… the countries you would expect to win.

Well?

Here is video on YouTube, but use the player below so there's no spoiler.

Awesome race execution by the winner.

(scroll down for the winner)

The winner was Australia's Ralph Doubell.

And, co-incidentally, Doubell was coached by Franz Stamfl, the same man who coach Roger Bannister to break the 4 minute mile.

SpeedEndurance.com recommends:

Tom Tellez and Dan Pfaff Training Videos – For sprints, jumps, hurdles and throws
Complete Speed Training – General Guide for All Sports
Complete Speed Training 2 – For sprinters 55m to 400 meters
100 meter Training with Marc Mangiacotti – Excellent for High School and College coaches
800 meter Training with Scott Christensen – Excellent for High School and College coaches

It is the fashion,it is the world

Thursday, 19 May 2011