Reasons (besides skin color) why Wariner will someday run the 800

The biggest factor that would allow him to run a fast 800m, compared to other 400m runners, is that he is an ectomorph. He does not build muscle mass like his mesomorphic 400m brethren. He was very slim when he won Olympic gold. He was probably only 155 pounds. He seems to have put on some muscle in his upper body, but that will peel away in less than a week away from the gym. He probably weighs in the low 160s now. His running technique is unlike other 400m runners. The key to his speed in the 400m is his smooth technique. He is not a power runner, like most of his 400m peers. This would help him in an 800m. Several people, who have seen him train, have mentioned he devours “bread and butter 800m workouts”. I believe he could run really well in the 800m. His talent is off the charts. Plus, he seems willing to train hard. If he focused on the 800m, I wouldn’t be surprised if runs something spectacular.

the difference is that the 5k and the 10k are similar events, the 400 and the 800 seem like similar events, but aren't.

Beat The Wood wrote:

the difference is that the 5k and the 10k are similar events, the 400 and the 800 seem like similar events, but aren't.

Persons writing on this thread clearly don’t know their athletic history.

In the 76 Olympics a certain Mr. Juantorena of Cuba won the gold at both 400 and 800mts.

His run in the 400 final was the most relaxed 44.26 I’ve ever seen as he appeared to jog the first hundred and only opened up on back straight.

His time winning the 800, despite being 30 years ago, was still an impressive 1.43.5.

That was after all the heats of the 400 and 800 and would still win many 800mt races these days.

ninjacore wrote:

the lack of imagination from some people is amazing.

wariner will def. not train specifically for an 800. we all know that, hell, adidas probably wouldnt let him.

but, how often do you wonder what someone could run out of their primary events?

kipketer and seb coe were AT LEAST 45.xx 400m runners, so why wouldnt it follow that wariner could lay down a somewhat decent time? IM NOT SAYING HE SHOULD SWTICH EVENTS. that would be stupid, he is one of the fastest all time at 400m. but...it is still fun to speculate.

Kipketer and Coe have pb's of 46.8 and 46.7, respectively. No faster.

I talked to him in a chance run in at the airport and said that he would move down to the 200 before he ever ran an 8. Made it sound pretty clear he had no interest.

I'm not surprised Wariner has no interest in the 8000 currently. He's doing everything to focus on the 400 and 200, and well he should. There's absolutely no psychological benefit for him to even contemplate taking on the 800 at this point.

My argument is that there may come a time in a few (or several) years where he has achieved as much as possible in the 400 (2 or 3 Oly golds, WR) and wants a new challenge.

If it becomes completely clear that he can't be a champion in the 200 (and it's possible he can), it's likely that he'll alter his training for a period of time and explore his capabilities in the 500 and 600. If he's as successful as many of us suspect he will be, it's likely he'll eventually explore his potential in the 800 too. Whether he'll be successful in that or not is a completely open question because the 800 is a vastly different event than the 400. But it's certainly not impossible that he could dominate both. Recall the 1976 Olympics when Alberto Juantorena won double gold (44.26, 1:43.50).

what miler can run 4:05 (all-out, not out of shape) but can run 13:30?

Reid Coolsaet fits that profile pretty closely, though he's a few seconds faster at both the mile and the 5.

Kipketer and Coe have pb's of 46.8 and 46.7, respectively. No faster.

They probably could have gone faster had they concentrated on the 400. Of course, there was no reason for them to do so, since they were already dominating the 800. Kinda like Wariner; there's no reason for him to switch events.

BTW, does anyone know what Juantorena's 200 PB was?

How far do you think Wariner could throw the discus if he bulked up and suddenly became Lithuanian?

Vilnius Steve wrote:

How far do you think Wariner could throw the discus if he bulked up and suddenly became Lithuanian?

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

Fact is, Wariner couldn't be competitive (the way he wants to be) in any event besides the 400.

BTW, does anyone know what Juantorena's 200 PB was?

I’ve no idea and I’m not clear as to the relevance.

However, stretching my memory still further, I believe that Juantorena’s 44.26 was the fastest ever 400 run at sea-level at that time.

The world 400 record having been set at the Mexico Olympics.

So we had what was virtually the world 400mt record holder, still capable of winning the Olympic 800.

Amazing accomplishment.