Mathemetician computes the fastest pace that humans can run in marathons/sprints
Posted January 4th, 2007 at 12:00 PM by Gina Pellrine
Section: News & Results, Marathons, Track & Field, Olympics
John Einmahl, a Dutch mathematician and professor at Tilberg University in Germany, claims to have recently discovered that the world record in the 100m sprint can be lowered by another half-second.
Einmahl claims that Asafa Powell’s current record of 9.77 seconds mark can be reduced to 9.29 now, and Paul Tergat’s record of 2:04:55 can only be improved by 49 seconds.
Michael Johnson’s 200 record of 19.32 could be lowered to 18.63, while Liu Xiang’s 110-meter hurdle mark of 12.88 could be lowered by a half second. Paula Radcliffe’s current marathon mark of 2:15.25 could drop by 8:50, leaving women marathoners with plenty of room to shatter her mark (Although we are skeptical of an 8:50 reduction).
Einmahl studied world records in 14 disciplines, computing the best marks of 1,546 male and 1,024 female athletes. Einmahl said:
“For a lot of athletes it is probably depressing when they are confronted with our extreme values … But this is a very serious study - the extreme theory as a part of mathematics and statistics is an accepted science.”
He stated that in his field the unbelievable can be accepted; but the impossible is not recognized. Despite his results, the mathematician acknowledged that extraordinary performances may come along, contradicting his findings.
Research sources and for further information:
“World 100m record can be lowered - expert”
Related Stories:
- Jones Runs Fastest American 100m Hurdles Time in All Conditions
- Schmidt Runs Fastest Time in Women’s 800m Prelims
- Hooker Ties PR, Runs Fastest Time in Women’s 100m Qualifying Heats
- After Being Denied WR in March, Don Kern to Attempt Guinness World Record™ By Running Marathons On 7 Continents In 25 Days
- Video: Solinsky runs impressive 3000m in Sheffield; 8th fastest American
Tags: 100m, 110m hurdles, 200m, asafa powell, John Einmahl, liu xiang, marathon, mathematician, michael johnson, paul tergat, paula radcliffe, professor, world record, world record holders
Like what you see? Subscribe to our feed!
The Final Sprint
[…] What is the mathematical limits of human speed? That question was addressed in an interesting article yesterday on The Final Sprint website. John Einmahl, a Dutch mathematician and professor at Tilberg University in Germany, claims to have recently discovered that the world record in the 100m sprint can be lowered by another half-second. Einmahl claims that Asafa Powell’s current record of 9.77 seconds mark can be reduced to 9.29 now, and Paul Tergat’s record of 2:04:55 can only be improved by 49 seconds… …Paula Radcliffe’s current marathon mark of 2:15.25 could drop by 8:50… …He stated that in his field the unbelievable can be accepted; but the impossible is not recognized. Despite his results, the mathematician acknowledged that extraordinary performances may come along, contradicting his findings. […]
January 6th, 2007 at 10:26 pmOMG
March 21st, 2007 at 10:46 pm