fjn wrote:
Remember, the Brit glory days were the steroid era with Sebastian Coe, Daley Thompson, and Alan Wells.
Do you ever wonder why the steroid era in the U.K. still boasts three sub-3:50 milers? A 1:41 guy that never came close to replicating that form in the 800?
Yup just look away at the systemic Majestic dictatorship.
Nonsense. They were tested for steroids in and out of competition throughout their careers. You may have a point with Wells, as his body shape changed dramatically over a short period of time and there have been accusations from a doctor, but Coe and Thompson were very talented from a young age, had natural lines of progression and have shown no evidence of doping or been accused of such by any reliable source.
Coe was 9stone and 5’9”, the same size as Wohlhuter, not exactly the physiology of someone taking steroids.
He had already run 1:42.3 in 79, with a 24.6 third 200m, which is as impressive as his 1:41.7 and shows clear 1:41 ability. He ran a 1:43.6 in the LA final running 10m wide on bends, which is also indicative of 1:42 low ability. He ran 1:43.3 in 89 at 32 (almost 33), which is what one would expect from a talent capable of 1:41 at 24. His 1000m WR is also indicative of 1:42 low ability. So it is a nonsense to suggest he never showed similar 800 ability again.