200 Meter Speed for the 400 Meters

I was going over the archives of some of my favourite world class quarter-milers, and just wanted an idea on their 100m or 200m times.

This list proves you don’t need to run sub 20.00 for a 200m to break 44, but it certainly helps!

One thing is certain, you must have decent 200m speed if you plan on racing against the big boys.

There are probably a few errors or omissions in this compilation, but you get the general idea.

My personal favourite is Innocent Egbunike, who would split in 20.9 (or faster) with a 200 meter PB of 20.42!  This man is not afraid of pain!

Michael Johnson
43.18 (1999); 19.32 (+0.4) (1996); 10.09 (+2.0) (1994)

Butch Reynolds
43.29 (1988); 20.46 (nwi) (1987)

Quincy Watts
43.50 (1992); 20.50A (-0.47) (1987); 10.30 (-0.17) (1987); 10.17w (+3.78) (1987)

Danny Everett
43.81 (1992); 20.08 (+0.3) (1990)

Steve Lewis
43.87 (1988); 20.58 (0.0) (1992)

Alvin Harrison
44.09 (1996); 20.41 (+1.2) (1996)

Jerome Young
44.09 (1998); 20.41 (-1.5) (1998)

Roberto Hernandez
44.14 (1990); 20.2HT (nwi) (1985)

Anthuan Maybank
44.15 (1996); 20.41 (-0.2) (1996)

Innocent Egbunike
44.17 (1987); 20.42 (+0.6) (1983); 10.15 (nwi) (1984)

Antonio Pettigrew
44.21 (1999); 20.38 (+1.7) (1994)

Tyree Washington
44.28 (2001); 20.09 (+2.0)

Sanderlei Parrela
44.29 (1999); 20.60A (+0.5)

Thomas Schonlebe
44.33 (1987); 20.48 (+1.3) (1987)

Mark Richardson
44.37 (1998); 20.62 (0.0) (1997)

Michael Franks
44.47 (1985); 20.62 (+0.4); 10.25 (+1.5) (1984)

Greg Haughton
44.56 (1995); 20.64 (+0.8) (1996)