Stockholm World Records
In the hope of gaining every last little bit of advantage, a lot of thought goes into the building of athletic facilities. For example, at the recent Beijing Olympics the pool that saw so many World Records was built specifically to be a ‘fast’ pool. Of course it had to be the standard 50m, but the depth and water filtering systems were designed such that it would be faster to swim in. Likewise there are known fast running races round the world. For example the Marathon course in Berlin that Gebrselassie broke the World Record a few days ago is one. In this case primarily because it’s flat and there is usually a cool temperature with low humidity during the race.
In track running there are less factors that can contribute to making a fast track as its specifications are relatively standardised. But this won’t stop people trying, by for example, making the track surface as ‘springy’ as possible.
One track that has stood the test of time has been Stockholm Stadion – where the 1912 Olympics were held.
Finish of 400m World Record Attempt
More World Records have been set here than any other track in the world. 83 in total. On my recent trip to this track I decided that not taking advantage of the ‘special’ X-factor characteristic was too good an opportunity to pass up. I decided Michael Johnson’s 43.18 400m was the easiest record to have a go at.
After a blistering start and good back straight something really heavy and invisible jumped on my back on the top bend and it was an admittedly labored, depressing last 150m to finish in 59.08 seconds (HT).
I knew I should have gone for the 1500m record.
