For a few seasons in a row, the 400m, one of the marquee events on the track, just seem to get better and better every year. Only a handful of men had ever broken 44 seconds before 2013, now 22 men have done so. And yet, despite a historical range of talent, many of these guys have risen and spectacularly fallen since Van Niekerk broke the record in 2016. Look at the sub-44 guys that, as of the present moment, haven't kept their form.
Van Niekerk: Specatularly disastrous injury in 2016 right after breaking the WR. Only now FINALLY, after being off of the map for nearly SEVEN years, looks like he we could see him approach his previous form once again (which I'm very happy to see).
Michael Norman: Changes coaches, drops the 400 altogether (?) falls off the face of the earth
Fred Kerley: Drops event altogether, has a fantastic year in 2022 but has already failed to even make the team in 200. Through in 100 on a bye, which looks far from promised. Maybe we will see him back again at 400m if this gamble falls through.
Champion Allison: ???. 43.70 in 2022, only 46.x in 2023.
Randolph Ross: Suspended for all kinds of shady business.
Muzala Samukonga: New star? Who knows. Out injured.
Anthony Zambrano: Hasn't broken 45 since 2021.
Akeem Bloomfield: Hasn't broken 45 since 2020.
One-and-done Masrahi (drugs) and MacDonald (maybe starting to make a comeback?) after 2015 Worlds.
Only the perennially-overlooked Steven Gardiner, and hopefully Van Niekerk once again, march onwards.
Any other precedent for such a historical loss of talent in just a few seasons?