They start each XC runner off in the modern pentathlon based on the competitors points from the previous 4 events so why don't they do this in the multi events. It would involve a slight adjusting of the points scoring tables for the 800/1500. It would be worth it as the battle for the medals would be much easier to follow for the spectators.
An entirely sensible idea. Why is this posted on lets run?
I suspect the problem would be in starting the competitors; first, it would require an automated starting system that would fire at exactly the right hundredth of a second. Second, it would give everyone but the first competitor an advantage of knowing exactly when the gun would go off. I suspect the second objection is more of the reason than the first.
Bruce Jenner ran a 4:11 for the 1500 meters in the 1976 Olympics Decathlon. Did Jenner have to run a fast 1500 to win?
Big deal, the timing system could be set up to start whenever the first runner takes off.
It would be a disadvantage to the guy who's winning -- everyone would be chasing him down, and you know it's hard to lead a mile wire-to-wire. It would be really exciting though. :)
It would be difficult to start them within tenths of a second from one another -- maybe there could be a gate system or lights or something.
Or maybe the points leader could get a head start or those lagging behind would have to start farther back. Then it wouldn't be a 1500, but at least all the competitors would start at the same time...
fUrCeOsNhN wrote:
Or maybe the points leader could get a head start or those lagging behind would have to start farther back. Then it wouldn't be a 1500, but at least all the competitors would start at the same time...
No.
Beacuase they want all of them to start and end together so all those big hunks can hug each other, hold hands, and take a victory lap together. They are so cute when they do that.
My guess is they don't do it because they have always done it the same way, and if someone sets(or doesn't set) a new record it will be because they had an advantage(or disadvantage) due to the new start.
Another issue would be that the event would take a lot longer.
I definitely think they should do it. I'm just suggesting reasons why they don't.
kfjsdfasjd wrote:
It would be difficult to start them within tenths of a second from one another -- maybe there could be a gate system or lights or something.
A gate system or lights? This would be a practical and straightforward thing to set up for all the mid-level university meets that happen to include a decathlon with widely varying ability levels, less than Olympic quality facilities and fewer experienced officials?
Or would your gates and lights only be implemented at the World Champs, Olympics and maybe USATF, thereby making the event significantly different at only these major meets?
How about a drag racing style christmas tree starting light set up?
Sunday! wrote:
How about a drag racing style christmas tree starting light set up?
How would that work when you've got 10 - 12 competitors starting at intervals varying between a few hundredths of a second to several seconds?
What happens if there is a problem with one of the starts? In a regular track race, they fire the recall gun and everyone pulls up after 10 - 20m.
Asterix wrote:
A gate system or lights? This would be a practical and straightforward thing to set up for all the mid-level university meets that happen to include a decathlon with widely varying ability levels, less than Olympic quality facilities and fewer experienced officials?
A simple "beep" would be fine. This is how swimmers and skiers start even at the world-class level. At mid-level college meets you could just yell "Go!" It's not like these guys are running the first 200 in 28 seconds.
Asterix wrote:
How would that work when you've got 10 - 12 competitors starting at intervals varying between a few hundredths of a second to several seconds?
Dude, each runner gets his own christmas tree!
Asterix wrote:
What happens if there is a problem with one of the starts? In a regular track race, they fire the recall gun and everyone pulls up after 10 - 20m.
If it is determined that someone left early, they are penalized 1 second. What's the rule in cross country skiing if someone leaves early? Use that.
Besides, in the history of the Olympic decathlon, has there ever been a false start in the 1500?
dukerdog wrote:
A simple "beep" would be fine. This is how swimmers and skiers start even at the world-class level. At mid-level college meets you could just yell "Go!" It's not like these guys are running the first 200 in 28 seconds.
You should have a look at the IAAF rules and see how much of an overhaul you'd have to do to rules 162 and 165.
Sunday! wrote:
Dude, each runner gets his own christmas tree!
Wouldn't that be fun trying to organize and set up all that stuff on the track! Sounds like a piece of cake!
dukerdog wrote:
If it is determined that someone left early, they are penalized 1 second. What's the rule in cross country skiing if someone leaves early? Use that.
Besides, in the history of the Olympic decathlon, has there ever been a false start in the 1500?
You realize that even with the advent of the new false start rule, that multi-events are still given two false starts before DQs? How are you going to determine someone left early when your starter is just yelling 'go' (as suggested previously)?
Using past competitions as some kind of guideline for false starts when you are proposing a significant alteration to the starting process is rather meaningless.
For that matter, what time do you use for calculating total points for the decathlon? Their net running time or the time between when the leader started and the particular athlete finished?
Seems like a lot of stretching to make things complicated just so there can be some idealized scenario of having the first across the finish line of the 1500 as the overall event winner.
Nice concept, but you don't have all the javelin or discus throwers go at the same time so you can instantaneously see who won, rather than waiting for everyone to take all their allowed throws.
I don't believe the object of any sporting competition is to "...make it easier for the spectators to follow..."
Instead of cheering for your favorite athlete in the event to sit back because he/she can still win from 10 seconds back, I say push ALL the athletes to run their best and go after pr's in BOTH single event and overall totals...
Nordic Combined does this--the Gundersen system. Makes the XC race a blast!
I always thought the decathlon was 9 Mickey Mouse events and the 1500m.
Asterix wrote:
Nice concept, but you don't have all the javelin or discus throwers go at the same time so you can instantaneously see who won, rather than waiting for everyone to take all their allowed throws.
This is what we are going to work on next--simultaneous javelin competition. Those officials will really have to be careful now.