Forget sub-4 for the mile! (Ain\'t gonna happen.) But what about sub-3 for 1200 meters?
Forget sub-4 for the mile! (Ain\'t gonna happen.) But what about sub-3 for 1200 meters?
No current runners could do it, but some of the Chinese dopers from the past, maybe.
For the record, it's about equal to 1:52 800 / 4:11 mile, both right around the world record.
The women's 1000m world record is 2:28.98 . If you believe this record accurately reflects the maximum capability of women at this distance I would say no because they would have to tack on a 31 next 200m onto that.
But then again the 1000m is a rarely contested distance and it is very well possible that it should be 2-3 seconds lower. And given that the 800m record is 1:53.28, I would say that it is possible. But probably only a handful of talented runners could do it in favorable conditions.
I'd be willing to wager a small sum of money on Pamela Jelimo to break 3:00 if she gets back to where she used to be fitness-wise.
2:59.99