MJ all day
MJ all day
"REMEMBER MJ JOGS 45 WHILE THAT WOULD BE A PR FOR RUDISHA."
LOL
Both in their prime with no specific training: Rudisha. With 2-4 months of specific training: Johnson.
To me, definitely David Rudisha. I think 700m could be Rudisha's best distance. After 450m it would have been very difficult for Michael Johnson. For a very scientifically handling athlete like Johnson, I can see him ran a good 600m with some preparation. but not close to Rudisha, who (at his best) should be capable to breaking the WR.
Impressive that there seems to be quite a bit of debate on this question. I think those saying Rudisha wins by virtue of his aerobic strength are probably closer to the truth (especially on the 50% longer distance vs. 25% shorter argument), but it is also intriguing to think that to break Johnny Gray's record of 72.81, you need to average 48.54 pace. A walk for DR... no? However, he's never come through 600 faster than 74.4- that enroute to his 1:41.51. Meaning he "died" in that race at 54.22 pace (27.11, his avg to 600 was 24.8). Look at MJ. He gets to run a 48.54, a virtual warm-up by his standards, and only has to come back with a 24.26 to best Gray. Sounds easy, yes? I think with some aerobic improvement, MJ could do it. With the right pacing, Rudisha could definitely do it too, but there is a really fine line on finding the right pace for an 800 runner. Definitely finer than for a sprinter.
Rudisha would wine. Case closed.
*win
Ghost riders in the sky wrote:
My opinion, both in their primes.
If you have both run a 47 or 48 who is more tired?
I would say Johnson is more put out by a 47. DR goes through in 49 in 8s all the time. Then rudisha pulls away. I don't even think it would be close.
How can anyone envision a race where rudisha doesn't win. After 400 the sprinter would be toast whether it goes out in 45 or 50.
Dead on.
definitley Rudisha. Johnson to pull a muscle the last 50m