Has there ever been a better one? Two of the best ever Aouita and Cram, both beating the world record, Cram running a courageous race and a photo finish.
Has there ever been a better one? Two of the best ever Aouita and Cram, both beating the world record, Cram running a courageous race and a photo finish.
The two fastest ever in an Olympic final, stride for stride, in a battle of guts. Closing 800m in 1:46.7, and a historic race, several years in the making, one that would have no repeats, no more second chances.
I think you guys just nailed down two of the greatest 1500m races ever.
Cram never dodged anyone and he and El G were the two best at kicking from the front.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CE6u7hpWxSI&NR=1&feature=endscreen
When I saw the thread title, the first race I thought of was the Cram/Aouit sub 3:30 race.
When I saw the thread title, the first race I thought of was the Lagat/El Guerrouj 2004 Olympic final race.
If you include the mile, do these two races remain the best ever?
Alan Webb's WC in 2005 when he let loose on the backstretch with 700 to go and held on for GOLD!!
Both amazing races. I contend the Commonwealth 1500m Final from 1974 was the best ever.
lagat vs. El Guerrouj
not as good as Athens, but it is one of the best.
If Cram was gutsy, then Bayi was demonically posessed:
Canada Coach wrote:
Has there ever been a better one? Two of the best ever Aouita and Cram, both beating the world record, Cram running a courageous race and a photo finish.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6HluNY4eNV4&feature=related
I was going to go with Kip Keino in Mexico City or Seb Coe in LA 1984, but you are right. This race popped into my head right after. El Gerrouj at World's in 1999 is also one to consider.
Almost any 1500m with El Guerrouj.
And mile race El Guerrouj and Noah Ngeny.
Great Race!
My vote goes for the 1500m final of Athens - 2004 though.
I was wondering if Aouita ever raced Coe?
Canada Coach wrote:
Has there ever been a better one? Two of the best ever Aouita and Cram, both beating the world record, Cram running a courageous race and a photo finish.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6HluNY4eNV4&feature=related
For me it's definitely the Nice '85 race. The lineup was just unique: not just Cram and Aouita, but also Joaquim Cruz (many thought he had better potential over 1500m), Jose Luis Gonzalez, Steve Scott.
So, lineup includes the fantastic Olympic 800m champ, the European and World 1500m Champ (also Olympic silver) and the fantastic Olympic 5000m champ (who also was the fastest in '84 over 1500m). The only one who really was missing to make it even better was Sebastian Coe. And for sure the one who normally was included in every big 1500m/ Mile race for many years back then: John Walker.
Why was Aouita way behind even when entering the last lap? He had to run several meters more in that race. He definitely was in 3:28 shape on that day. The lineup and the unforgettable finish: by far the most exciting 1500m-race ever.
That was a damn gutsy race by Cram. Coe was breathing down his neck and he still took the lead with a lap to go, Coe must've been licking his chops and then thought, "well shi*, I ain't catching him."
said88 wrote:
Canada Coach wrote:Has there ever been a better one? Two of the best ever Aouita and Cram, both beating the world record, Cram running a courageous race and a photo finish.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6HluNY4eNV4&feature=relatedFor me it's definitely the Nice '85 race. The lineup was just unique: not just Cram and Aouita, but also Joaquim Cruz (many thought he had better potential over 1500m), Jose Luis Gonzalez, Steve Scott.
So, lineup includes the fantastic Olympic 800m champ, the European and World 1500m Champ (also Olympic silver) and the fantastic Olympic 5000m champ (who also was the fastest in '84 over 1500m). The only one who really was missing to make it even better was Sebastian Coe. And for sure the one who normally was included in every big 1500m/ Mile race for many years back then: John Walker.
Why was Aouita way behind even when entering the last lap? He had to run several meters more in that race. He definitely was in 3:28 shape on that day. The lineup and the unforgettable finish: by far the most exciting 1500m-race ever.