When you think of the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, you immediately think of the Black Power Salute of the 200 meters, Kip Keino and Jim Ryan in the “rabbited” 1500 meters, the Bob Beamon Long Jump, and Dick Fosbury’s High Jump.
These events are etched in Gold.
Some people may even remember the Marathon. Not for the winner, Mamo Wolde of Ethiopia, but for the guy who finished last: John Stephen Akwari
For me, I talk about the 400 meters and the 4x400m all the time. What the hell did you expect? This site is called Speedendurance after all)
POP QUIZ: Who won the 800m?
Ah hah, you had a blank moment.
Come on, it wasn’t an African, American, or European… the countries you would expect to win.
Well?
Here is video on YouTube, but use the player below so there’s no spoiler.
Awesome race execution by the winner.
(scroll down for the winner)
The winner was Australia’s Ralph Doubell.
And, co-incidentally, Doubell was coached by Franz Stamfl, the same man who coach Roger Bannister to break the 4 minute mile.
Jimson Lee
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Great race. Doubell’s performance from this race is still the Australian 800m record.