Do you need 200 Meter Speed for 400 Meters? #Beijing2015

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 at the World or Olympic level.

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!

Of course, more recently, there was Wayde Van Niekerk’s 20.74 200m split, only 0.8 off his 200m PB. Thanks to Ian Graham for the updated stats.

The Sub-44 Club

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)

Jeremy Wariner
43.45 (2007); 20.19 (2006)

Wayde Van Niekerk (RSA)
43.48 (2015) 19.94 (2015) +0.6

LaShawn Merritt (USA)
43.65 (2015); 19.98 (2007) +1.4

Isaac Makwala (BOT)
43.72 (2015); 10.20 (2014) +0.8; 19.96 (2014) -0.4

Kirani James (GRN)
43.74 (2014); 20.41 (2011) +1.1

Yousef Ahmed Masrahi (KSA)
43.93 (2015); 20.93 (2015) +0.3

Rusheen McDonald (JAM)
43.93 (2015); 20.57 (2015) +1.2

Lee Evans (USA)
43.86 (1968); 20.4 (1969); 10.9 (1966)

Larry James (USA)
43.97 (1968); 200m time?

As you can see from the above list, there aren’t many sub 20, 200m guys, meaning the 400m is truly becoming a specialist event, if you want to excel at both events. Gone are the days of 400-800 combo runners. (well, maybe save the 800m guys for the relay :)

READ On Top End Speed and Speed Endurance