Michael Norman just split the second fastest 4x4 split ever. 43.06

Looking at the IAAF split list we sure could have used Angelo Taylor's 43.6 at the London Olympics!!!!!!

nitpickin' sunofagun wrote:

line to line wrote:

The time should be taken from the finish line. for splits 3 & 4 and the mid point of the exchange zone for splits 1&2 It should make no difference when the last runner actually accepts the handoff.

you are so correct

What does the timing of spilts 1, 2 and 3 have to do with the timing for the anchor leg?

On some tracks a 3 turn stagger is used for the 4x400. This affects where splits are taken for legs 1&2. However, you're correct that this doesn't affect the anchor leg.

Nice. That's probably good for sub 47 open!

That’s a sub 1:40 guy if I ever saw one.

not a lot wrote:

On some tracks a 3 turn stagger is used for the 4x400. This affects where splits are taken for legs 1&2. However, you're correct that this doesn't affect the anchor leg.

The baton is the timing point, except for crossing the finish line. The anchor lap is the easiest to determine. The other splits requiring knowing where the center of the handoff zone is on a track.

baton wrote:

not a lot wrote:

On some tracks a 3 turn stagger is used for the 4x400. This affects where splits are taken for legs 1&2. However, you're correct that this doesn't affect the anchor leg.

The baton is the timing point, except for crossing the finish line. The anchor lap is the easiest to determine. The other splits requiring knowing where the center of the handoff zone is on a track.

All relay splits are to be taken when the baton passes/reaches the middle of the exchange zone, regardless of who is holding the baton. For the 4x400m relay with a 3 turn stagger the middle of the exchange zone is the 800m start line in the lane for the 1st and 2nd runner. The final two exchanges are when the baton passes/reaches the finish line, which is the middle of the exchange zone.

vivalarepublica wrote:

Does anyone else think he got the baton a little late in the hand off zone than when runner's usually get it and that might have helped his time?

As others have posted, the split is taken from the finish line.

Given that, if anything it'd be the opposite. The later you get the baton, the more you are still getting up to speed when you hit the line. You have to turn around to get the baton, get your form straight again, and establish your rhythm. The more time you have to get all that taken care of, the faster you will be running when the split starts.

Unless that extra distance running means you are running slower for longer at the finish (because you are dying longer), then your time should be faster.

I don't think this was the case with Norman. However, other than that it was the perfect setup for a fast split. He had some one a good distance in front of him running a good, but catchable pace who tried to save some for his kick. Norman was able to catch him, but then really had to work to get by him on the final stretch.

He should try the 800 wrote:

That’s a sub 1:40 guy if I ever saw one.

My goodness lets not start that crap.

Flo’da boy wrote:

I think he just means superior in that they ware worth faster than 43.06 if they had a flying start.

I didn’t realize until now that Van Niekirks open 400 is faster than all but one relay split ever. That’s insane. What could Niekerk have split that day?

Don't forget that WVK ran his world record in the best possible lane to do so. Yes, the far outside lane is the fastest on the track. Not knowing where your competitors are makes you run scared. Additionally, he had the gentlest angles to run being out there. Norman enjoyed some benefit of drafting during his split, but also ran it in lane 1 on a tighter turn than WVK.

Digby could beat him.

Also consider that it appeared he slowed a little on that second turn since he fully caught up with him at that point and then had to pick it up again on the final straight. Imagine if there was more to make up and he was still chasing until the final straight. Think he ran a little wide on the final turn, too. There is a good chance he ran a little extra distance.