Monday, August 15, 2016

New York Times missed an opportunity to accurately describe what happens during 100m

The New York Times created a Wonderful Graphic to describe what was happening during the 100m final. Unfortunately they got some of the comments wrong. 

This article from Wall Street Journal describes the process very well and shows acceleration up to 50m and deceleration after 70m.
NYT: His reaction times are often slow
The reaction times of Bolt and Gatlin was 0.155 vs 0.153, so the initial difference isn't due to the reaction time is due to their initial stride pattern and body angle. Taller athletes are at a disadvantage remember Carl Lewis? 
NYT: Bolt usually gets to full speed (about 12 meters a second) at the 60-meter mark. By then, Gatlin’s lead had evaporated.
Usain Bolt probably reached a higher top speed by about 50-70m accounting for closing the gap. 
NYT: Bolt owns this part of the race for a simple reason: He creates more force into the ground in less time than anyone else.
This description is probably valid for 40-60m. After 60-70m it is all about who is decelerating the least. 
Usain Bolt takes fewer strides overall and conserves his energy much better. 

Even when he relaxes, looks left, smiles at Justin Gatlin and taps his chest he is still not decelerating as much as anyone else.


Wayde van Niekerk breaks World Record on way to Olympic gold

I woke up this morning at 2:50 to watch Wayde van Niekerk destroy the 400m world record. Destroy is probably not the best choice of words. It is not in Wayde's nature to destroy anything. He is a gentle soul that works very hard. I did, however, woke up all the dogs in the neighbourhood and destroy my upper thigh while watching that last 120m of the most excellently executed 400m.
If Wayde reacted as fast as Kirani James to the gun he may have been the first human to run below 43seconds for 400m.

I am glad/proud to say I told you so: