a number of thoughts wrote:
Gray was a great runner with a great career. Not all can hit the Olympic magic (e.g. Steve Scott).
What we wouldn't give to have an American 800 runner running 1:42/43 today. And while not for every athlete, front running works for many top flight 800 runners.
The 1984 Olympic 800 was a marvel. Although based solely on impression, Cruz's last 100 appears to be one of the best ever. And the quality of his finish was underscored several days later, when Coe dominated the 1500 field with his kick. Cruz beat a fit Coe and a very talented Earl Jones.
I recall that Earl Jones was injured seriously in a car accident? I hope that he is leading a fruitful life, and is doing well.
Cruz's last 100m was 12.6, but not so much a kick, as he was just maintaining his speed better than the rest. His last 200 was 25.2, so he went 12.6, 12.6.
Coe's last 100 in the 800 final was 13.0, but what isn't obvious from watching the race is that he and Jones clashed elbows with about 80m to run, which probably cost them 1 or 2 tenths. They certainly wouldn't have caught Cruz on the day, but the gap would have been smaller.
I think it's difficult to compare the last 100m between an 800 and 1500m, though I'd say Coe's 12.7 last 100 in the 1500 final showed he was nearer top form then, than he had been in the 800 final. Although he certainly didn't have the same kick as he displayed in 81; 12.0 last 100 (24.8 last 200) in World Cup, or 11.3 in the Europa Cup semi.
It was a fascinating 800 final in LA. Gray seemed to be in contention until the 600m point, where he appeared to give up. Jones ran sensibly in lane 1 on the last curve, while Cruz was a little wide and Coe more so. Certainly both the top 2 would have recorded faster times had they ran 800m rather than several metres more.
I think Gray's longevity at the top was staggering, and quite unrivaled, though I'm sure he'd rather have had a shorter spell at the top with more medals. I think, considering the way he ran and the opportunity he had over many seasons; while seeming to avoid serious injury problems; Gray probably ran very close to his potential.