some more excellent youtube videos inc Cram, Ovett etc.

I really miss David Coleman

Great clip, Thanks.

Sir Bastion Newbold wrote:

I really miss David Coleman

Ron Pickering was an excellent commentator too - always so enthusiastic.

Cool. The guy who killed Biggie Smalls, or at least knows who did, is in the Cram/Cruz race.

Thanks---I've wanted to see those Ovett videos for some time! If you have Ovett Vs. Rono at 2 miles, that would be great as well.

Ovett ruled the 1500/mile from that 1977 World Cup race right through to the 1980 Olympics. Look at Wessinghages reaction after the race - he couldn't believe somebody could change pace like that within a few strides. Awesome!

Wow. One country with the defending world champion, world record holder, and defending Olympic champ in the '84 Olympic 1500m final. Ovett, Cram and Coe (Britain) dominated middle distance running from 1977-1984.

Great to see those old Ovett vids. With all the hype over the record chasing years and the rivalry with Coe, how unbeatable Ovett was in 77 and 78 can get overlooked. 25 and change for a final 200 off a fast pace (at least by 1977 standards) while waving to the crowd and easing up.

That was the start of a great era.........10 great years and then it all came to an end the moment Abdi Bile cruised past a half-fit Cram at the 87 Worlds. Peter Elliott bravely did his best to bring back the glory days but there's a world of difference between battling for medals and simply knowing who is going to win.

slowcoach wrote:

Great to see those old Ovett vids. With all the hype over the record chasing years and the rivalry with Coe, how unbeatable Ovett was in 77 and 78 can get overlooked. 25 and change for a final 200 off a fast pace (at least by 1977 standards) while waving to the crowd and easing up.

That was the start of a great era.........10 great years and then it all came to an end the moment Abdi Bile cruised past a half-fit Cram at the 87 Worlds. Peter Elliott bravely did his best to bring back the glory days but there's a world of difference between battling for medals and simply knowing who is going to win.

there were a few youngsters when the big 3 were around who disappointed when it was their turn to step up. I'm thinking of McKean, Billy, Sharpe - they certainly had the talent to continue the tradition.

What a runner Ovett was - seems incredible he never ran faster than 3:30.77. That World Cup win was man against boys.

Cram was invincible in 1985 - 3 World records and defeating Olympic champion Cruz in the 800m. All this at the age of 24 and after that his career gradually went downhill. Just a shame there was no world championships in 1985.

Thanks for the vids.

Anybody know why John Walker pulled off the track in the 1977 World Cup?

W. Mitty wrote:

Thanks for the vids.

Anybody know why John Walker pulled off the track in the 1977 World Cup?

It wasn't because of an injury it was just a mental aberration. Once Ovett had got away and he knew he couldn't beat him he gave up.