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Lead Stories: Friday, August 29, 2008

Technical advancements to setting world records

Posted September 8th, 2007 at 4:15 PM by Jimson Lee

Section: News & Results, Track & Field

triple jump I like to go back into history and determine what advancements or other factors led to new world records. For example, did athletes employ a new technique or strategy? Were there advancements in technology, running surface or venue? Consider the following observations:

The Triple Jump vs. Shot Put

If you go back nearly 100 years to 1911, the world record for Triple Jump and Shot Put was 15.52 and 15.54 meters (50′ 11″ & 50′ 11.75″) respectively. Today, they stand at 18.29 & 23.12 meters (60′ 0′ & 75′ 10″) respectively.

How can the comparable world records differ by nearly 16 feet over the last 100 years?

Easy, the shot put technique has undergone 2 major changes in the technical throws, with nearly everyone doing the spin technique similar to a discus thrower. You still have to hop, skip, and jump in the Triple Jump.

The same phenomenon can be seen with the High Jump. In 1978, the last straddler to set the world record was Vladimir Jashtshenko with a jump of 2.34m (7′ 8″) before floppers dominated the event.
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Manson, Manzano, Bolden and Hastings shine at New Balance Collegiate Invitational

Posted February 5th, 2007 at 12:00 PM by Sarah Mandell

Section: News & Results, Track & Field

More than 200 colleges faced off yesterday at the Armory in New York City for the New Balance Collegiate Invitational. Here is a run-down of the most impressive performances from the event:

University of Texas senior Andra Manson added to his already glowing reputation; winning the high jump for the fourth year in a row. Manson is the first athlete in the history of the New Balance Collegiate Invitational to accomplish that feat. He also broke his own record from 2004 by jumping 7 feet and 6.5 inches.

Leonel Manzano won the mile with the fastest time in the country this year (3:59.08). Florida State’s Greg Bolden also left viewers with something to talk about, finishing the 60m in 6.61; the fastest time by a college athlete this year.

South Carolina junior Natasha Hastings ran the fastest time by an American this year in the women’s 400-meter race; finishing in 51.7 seconds. She also was a leading factor in South Carolina’s 1,600-relay team win; running the anchor leg in 51.2 seconds.

For some background and more information, please visit: [Armory Track], [Track Shark], [ESPN], [Statesman]

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Podcast 7: Interview with running phenom Alan Webb

Posted January 31st, 2007 at 12:00 PM by Adam Jacobs

Section: Special Features, Interviews, Podcasts

Today’s edition of The Final Sprint Podcast features my interview with Alan Webb, the young star who broke Jim Ryun’s 36-year old national high school record in the mile in 2001.

After kicking off this season with big wins in NY and Boston, it looks like Alan has really bounced back from the rough few months he experienced at the end of 2006. However, he will still have his work cut out for him at the upcoming Millrose Games and Tyson Foods Invitational, where he’ll be up against many of the world’s best, including Craig Mottram and Bernard Legat.

In the interview, Alan discusses his latest victories, how he stacks up in the upcoming races, plans to win an Olympic medal, and is asked: “Who is the most talented runner from the incredible H.S. class of 2001: Ryan Hall, Dathan Ritzenhein or yourself?”

Download the podcast to hear Alan speak about those topics, how he feels when he is compared to Steve Prefontaine and much more!

Listen In
[MP3] Direct Download (Right click, select “save as”).
[RSS] Add The Final Sprint Podcast RSS feed to your RSS reader to have the show delivered to you

Host: Adam Jacobs
Guest: Alan Webb
Producer: Greg Cherniet
Music: Ryan Ahlwardt & Darnell Perkins
File size: 14.0MB
Length: 00:20:24

Interested in featuring The Final Sprint Podcast on your site, blog or My Space page? Click here to learn how!

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Mottram, Cragg set for Reebok Boston Indoor Games

Posted January 26th, 2007 at 10:12 AM by Martha Jones

Section: News & Results, Track & Field

It will be Craig v. Cragg at 3000 meters in the Reebok Boston Indoor Games on Jan. 27 when Craig Mottram, the 2005 World Championships bronze medalist, faces off against Alistair Cragg, the 2005 European Indoor Champion at 3000 meters, organizers announced today.

Both athletes have a history here. Mottram, the first non-African to win a medal at 5000 meters in a major championship since 1987, is also a two-time World Cup titleholder at 3000m, where in 2006 he upset Kenenisa Bekele for the victory. Last year in Boston, the gregarious Aussie won at 2 Miles over a deep field that included Cragg, who finished third less than a second behind. Two years ago at this meet, Cragg – Ireland’s national record-holder – won at 3000 meters when he, too, surprised Bekele.

Joining them in the 3000-meter field will be American Jorge Torres, the 2006 USA Champion at 10,000 meters.
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Alan Webb wins the mile in 3:56:70 at New Balance Games

Posted January 22nd, 2007 at 7:17 AM by Lisa Cieplechowicz

Section: News & Results, Track & Field

Alan Webb does it again! Webb, who at the 2001 New Balance Games became the first high-school athlete to run a sub-4 minute, returned to the New Balance Armory Center this past Saturday and once again emerged victorious.

Looking relaxed and strong, Webb breezed through the first 1200 meters in 2:58:70 and closed off the final 200 meters in 28 seconds flat. Taking the lead from Kenya’s Eliud Ngubi at the 1000 meter mark, he finished the race at a solid 3:56:70. Webb commented afterwards:

“It’s fun to run in this facility because everyone knows my history and I feel very welcome here.”

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Banned track star Dwain Chambers aims for NFL

Posted January 11th, 2007 at 1:43 PM by Jennifer Lipman

Section: News & Results, Track & Field, Drugs In Sports

After being banned from track competition in 2003, Dwain Chambers has recently come out with his decision to pursue a career in the NFL, following in the steps of his role model, Renaldo Nehemiah.

Chambers tested positive for THG, a banned anabolic steroid, and was banned from track in October of 2003. The UK 4X100m relay team he ran for also lost their silver medals from the World Championships that same year.
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