London GP men's 400

[George P.]

Yes, that's a valid point, but isn't there another point that a different kind/intensity/ volume of training could make it possible for Merritt to run stronger down the stretch?

One of the cool things about the sport is the possibility that some performer who is merely "accomplished" will suddenly rise to the next level -- whether from coaching or training or switching to a new brand of corn flakes (please don't read more into the latter figure of speech than I intend).

Who would have predicted, in Spring '04, that J. Wariner was suddenly to take the "quarter-mile" world by storm? Not me (I thought his team Williamson was the Next Big Thing).

[kamikaze7]

JW is the best technician I have seen in recent times. Shares that attribute with Edwin Moses. He has savvy, he runs very relaxed, tactically astute. Clearly knows how to train. Hence his consistency and ablity to avoid injury. His decision to focus on the 200m this year was brilliant. If a runner keeps winning he can lose motivation. The 200 keeps him hungry and motivates him to attack his weaknesses.

[eldrick]

[quote=BYU grad]

I have the feeling that if Merritt trained as hard a Wariner that he'd be running 43.4 to 43.8...because he has more speed, and more natural talent.

Wariner has more natural talent in the 400m than Merritt.
You are confusing your races. Merritt has more 200m speed and talent than Wariner.

Yes, that's a valid point, but isn't there another point that a different kind/intensity/ volume of training could make it possible for Merritt to run stronger down the stretch?[/quote:dnvi6f47]

that sounds spot-on

he has more than enough 200 speed - close to 19.90

change training & lose some of that speed, maybe dropping down to "only" 20.00, but better endurance as compensator

after all, likes of butch & quincey never came close to 20.00 & they ran damn fast for 400 !!!

[AS]

Having seen this race live in person (a big thrill as I've never seen Wariner run before), I must say JW was super-impressive. He was so comfortable and relaxed despite being under significant pressure from Merritt.

On the Aussie front, it looked like Steffensen was trying some slightly different tactics, pushing it hard from the gun, rather than his usual 200-300m surge. He appeared to suffer for it over the last 120m. Running himself into some useful shape i expect though. Would be very surprised if he doesn't make the WC final again.

[eldrick]

why didn't you say you were going ???

me & taf met up & it wouda been nice to meet you as well !

[Johnny Walker Red]

Is Merritt fading a bit in the stretch (compared to Wariner) because he is starting too fast or because he isn't training as hard...or both?

I have the feeling that if Merritt trained as hard a Wariner that he'd be running 43.4 to 43.8...because he has more speed, and more natural talent.

Wariner is much more talented at the 400 than Merritt. His 43.5 from yesterday is probably faster than Merritt will ever run - unless he makes drastic changes. I still have little doubt JW can run 19.9 + in the right race. I have serious doubts that Merritt can run faster than 43.7 no matter what he does. Wariner is a definite threat to take down MJ's 400 record. Obviously he has tons of talent but many, many people are scared to give him his due because of his complexion. He's got all the speed he needs to run a WR in the 400. Look at Butch Reynolds in the 200. Hardly an all-time great.