X wall trivia...

[79]

321 men broke this wall in history.
This is from one of the most prestigious* T&F events to help.
It was first broken 62 years ago. This athlete who is still alive was coached by the legendary Bill Bowerman.
What is this X wall?
*to my mind

[dj]

I’m guessing your “wall” is what Americans wold call a “barrier.”

the barrier in question would be 45.0, broken at the 1960 Olympics by Otis Davis.

[79]

I’m guessing your “wall” is what Americans wold call a “barrier.”

the barrier in question would be 45.0, broken at the 1960 Olympics by Otis Davis.

Bravo dj ! Still an impressive performance nowadays!
When I was much younger, I enjoyed trying to know by heart some 400m world lists (by far my favourite event through the 80s' till now) 🙂👌🏻

[Olli]

This is from one of the most prestigious T&F events to help.

Is there an order of prestigiousness for T&F events???

[79]

Is there an order of prestigiousness for T&F events???

To my opinion, no specific order. Depends on your own vision of T&F.
I think any olympic gold medal in a marathon is more prestigious than any gold medal in a mixed-relay, for example.

[Olli]

That example doesn't actually help much to understand why 400m is "one of the most prestigious."

[79]

That example doesn't actually help much to understand why 400m is "one of the most prestigious."

Well, based on its rich history, on world-known champions who crossed it, like Michael Johnson, on my subjective fascination (and passion) for this event, to resume, I believe this "carrefour des vertus" as French T&F journalist/historian Robert Parienté wrote, has often had a sort of of "aura" for the crowds and people in front of their TVs.
If you thought the women 3000m steeple-chase is among the most prestigious events, I would respect your vision...
I should have written "one of the most prestigious events TO MY OPINION", you are correct.

[Olli]

OK, so that hint was not very useful. From a more objective viewpoint, I might argue that there are about equally (or more) world-famous champions in practically all men's running distances.

Whether 400m is a particularly popular distance from the spectators' view, I do not claim to know. I would have guessed, however, that it is among the less popular, since it is not easy to follow who is first, second, etc. until the last 1/4 of the race.

I would think that tactical aspects add a lot of interest to longer distances for many spectators. For example, one still discusses Coe–Ovett rivalry (or Keino–Ryun) etc., but is there corresponding discussion about 400m?

[79]

Trying to be neutral about which event seems to be more prestigious or not, Olli, I think the 2 first onces coming to my mind are the 100m (men) and the marathon.

[Trickstat]

Whether 400m is a particularly popular distance from the spectators' view, I do not claim to know. I would have guessed, however, that it is among the less popular, since it is not easy to follow who is first, second, etc. until the last 1/4 of the race.

I think from the inexperienced spectators' point of view it does have that problem. For the more experienced spectator, I think that is part of the appeal, as you try to use your experience and judgement to see who's ahead, whilst noting, for example, that the athlete in lane 4 is already alongside the one in lane 5, but appears to have a lot of tension on their shoulders and upper body and is therefore probably pushing too hard and is likely to struggle in the last 100m.

[Atticus]

Trying to be neutral about which event seems to be more prestigious or not, Olli, I think the 2 first ones coming to my mind are the 100m (men) and the marathon.

In the USA I'd guess

1. 100 - elementary speed
2. Mile (not 1500) - tradition
3. PV - athleticism
4. 110H - athleticism & speed
4. SP - elementary strength
5. HJ - elementary ups

Marathon - love/hate relationship. Takes too long for our cultural ADD, but all the 'runners' here do try to follow it.

[Olli]

In the USA I'd guess

1. 100 - elementary speed
2. Mile (not 1500) - tradition
3. PV - athleticism
4. 110H - athleticism & speed
4. SP - elementary strength
5. HJ - elementary ups

Marathon - love/hate relationship. Takes too long for our cultural ADD, but all the 'runners' here do try to follow it.

No long jump? That's somewhat elementary too, isn't it?

[lonewolf49]

After the classic mile, I kinda like the 400. One lap is just right to speculate/jubilate/despair. In the longer races, the mile excepted, too much can happen to maintain suspense or they become repetitous.
I think PV wins the prestigious award for field events. It is just so complicated and difficult.

[TN1965]

No long jump? That's somewhat elementary too, isn't it?

LJ was a glamour event when it had King Carl.

[lonewolf49]

LJ was a glamour event when it had King Carl.

True. I think the prestige of a given event varies/coincides with the popularity/personality/prestige of the current outstanding performer in that event.