Most stunning single performances.

[Guest]

Re: Most stunning single performances.

I remember reading at the time, that Seb Coe's 800m mark was a statistically superior performance. That when certain factors were considered, that his mark was particularly remarkable. I'm surprised that noone else has mentioned this performance as such. Did anyone get to see this?

[Dennis]

Re: Most stunning single performances.

I'm surprised no one has mentioned Bannister's 3:59.4. At the time it was big news all over the world. Not many other T&F performances have had this significant an impact on such a broad audience.

[Kevin_Richardson]

Re: Most stunning single performances.

While it was not a record of any sort, I have always been thoroughly impressed with Michael Franks' 4th leg of the 1600m relay during the World Championships (1987, I think). The handoff between Ray Armistead and Franks was dropped and actually rolled to the inside of the track. Michael was forced to stop, reach down and retrieve the baton before beginning his run. Having now spotted the opposition a good 20 meters, Franks put his head down and ran for all he was worth. As usually happens in such stories, he pulled it off and won at the very end. I have tried replaying it on my VCR several times and it appears to me that his actually running of the leg took less than 43 seconds. Time notwithstanding, it was certainly an inspirational performance.

[Guest]

Re: Most stunning single performances.

I actually saw the 800m race on TV when I was just first getting into track. I could not believe the incredible speed that this short little white british guy could sustain. Coe's stride when he's in full flight is an incredible sight. It shortens up a bit in the mile but in a full out 800 he was magnificant to watch.

At the 400m point in the race you think that its going to be another go out too fast and hold on race and it was for the rest of the field but Coe never looked like he was slowing down (although he did a little). He was just so fluid the whole way. Man, it was a sight to see.

[Guest]

Re: Most stunning single performances.

The thread started with this question: "What is THE or at least ONE of the most stunning single performances in track & field history? The "stunning" quality could be either because of an upset or because of pure performance.
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No one has so far responded to the upset alternative with Harrison Dillard's 100m dash victory at 1948 Olympics in London.

Dillard, known then primarily as a hurdler, did not make the USA team in his event after tangling with a barrier in the USA trials. But he went to London as a 100m dash competitor and on 31 July 1947 upset favorites such as Mel Patton, Barney Ewell, and Lloyd LaBeach.

Postscript(s): Patton won the OG 200m on 3 August 1948 -- and Dillard came back four years later to win the 110m hurdles in Olympic record time at Helsinki on 24 July 1952.

[Guest]

Re: Most stunning single performances.

My previous message reflected old man's feeble typing by producing a 1947 date in a discussion of 1948 Olympics. I better admit this quickly before a "gotcha" specialist focuses on that rather than the subject athlete's great performance.

[6 5.5hjsteve]

Re: Most stunning single performances.

here is another stunning one:

at the 1960 Rome Olympics, an unknown from New Zealand named Peter Snell stunned the track world (and Roger Moens !) as he burst past him in the last 30 meters to win the 800. Step one to fame.

[RMc]

Re: Most stunning single performances.

Candidates for stunning US performances not mentioned previously (I think):

- Ed Moses winning the 1976 OTs in a major upset over the Gold Medalist favorite, and never looking back.

- James Robinson getting nosed out of the 1984 Olympic team after winning 5 or 7 straight championships.

- Mike Powell winning the 91 Tokyo LJ in a WR to beat the supreme Lewis.

[Guest]

Re: Most stunning single performances.

The ones that come first to my mind are MJ's 19.32 (I stood up and yelled "look at the time, look at the time", which was a little odd since I was watching alone) and Powell's LJ WR (got so excited watching the competition I accidently drank too much and remember the hangover equally as well!).

[RMc]

Re: Most stunning single performances.

>The ones that come first to my mind are MJ's
>19.32 (I stood up and yelled "look at the time,
>look at the time", which was a little odd since
>I was watching alone)

I was there and I agree it was the most stunning I personally witnessed. I was with my sister and she said she's never seen me so excited. I was yelling so much that I almost lost my voice the next day.

[Guest]

Re: Most stunning single performances.

Gail Devers Vs Merlene Ottey...

1993 World championships Gail got an amazing start as always but Merlene closing strids and the merge at the tape... It seemed like it took for ever for a decision to be made and Gail Devers came out with the win, but a protest was filed by Jamaica, officals confirmed that devers was the winner... both women timed in at 10.82

1996 Atalanta for the second time in their career Gail Devers and Merlene Ottey had a photofinish in one of the major championship finals. Again devers was the winner, and again Jamaica filed a protest and again devers was the winner. both women timed in at 10.94