Excluding Paavo Nurmi, it is probably Emil Zatopek at 1952 Olympics. But in the modern era you would be hard pressed to top Ben Jipcho at 1974 Commonwealth Games. Over 7 days he raced 6 times including:
Steeplechase - 8:20 1st
5,000 meters - 13:14 1st
1,500 meters - 3:33 3rd
Dyestat boys, please match those against 1974 times, not 2008 times. Thanks.
Cher just signed a 3 year ,200 show contract in Vegas . The best is yet to come!
Wang Junxia, Chinese National Games, Beijing, 1993:
Sept 8: 10000m: 1st 29:31.78 (WR)
Sept 10: 1500m Semi: 4:01.55
Sept 11: 1500m Final: 2nd 3:51.92 (#2 W)
Sept 12: 3000m Semi: 8:12.19 (WR)
Sept 13: 3000m Final: 1st 8:06.11 (WR)
mcgato wrote:
Wang Junxia, Chinese National Games, Beijing, 1993:
Sept 8: 10000m: 1st 29:31.78 (WR)
Sept 10: 1500m Semi: 4:01.55
Sept 11: 1500m Final: 2nd 3:51.92 (#2 W)
Sept 12: 3000m Semi: 8:12.19 (WR)
Sept 13: 3000m Final: 1st 8:06.11 (WR)
That really is unbelievable.
Although what junxia did was unreal, I have to say the greatest championship performance that I've witnessed, would be El Guerrouj's double golds at Athens in 2004.
I mean, despite the fact that what he did was amazing just by the fact that he won both, but the emotional stories that went along with it were also very incredible. Beating the world record holder in the 5k, winning the 15 which has eluded (haunted?) him for years. It was simply astounding watching his reactions to the wins, especially after the 15.
You do make a good point for El G. I think that from a personal, human interest perspective, El G was more incredible to watch. He also accomplished his feats on a much bigger stage than Junxia's 1993 Bejing performances. I would still say, however, that from a purely physical, I-can't-believe-a-human-being-can-do-that perspective, Junxia's performance is more impressive, drugs or no. I mean, imagine if Defar did that in the Olympics, with those times. From 1500-10,000. Insane.
People who were in Mexico City said afterward as long as they lived watching track would be a letdown after the Beamon Jump.
Some spectators were quoted as saying that was closest to perfection they would ever see in their lifetimes.
For non-humans, Secretariat in the Triple Crown comes to mind. Three races, three records, two of which are still standing after 34 years - one which may never be broken. First and only horse to run each 1/8 at the Derby faster than the previous one . . . hardened equine racing officials were openly crying during the Belmont knowing this would be the zenith of their racing lives.