Sunday, May 20, 2007

The Olympics


The 1952 Olympics was an upset for Britain's best miler when he placed fourth in the mile. He had only trained for the two races that they were supposed to have but they through in the semifinals which really through him off. He had to make it through the prelims and then the semifinals which left him tired for the finals where he needed all of his energy because the times are considerably faster in the finals thanthey are in the prelims and the semis. He ran with the group until the last 220 yards where he tried to pass but couldn't. He had to reside for Fifth.
(Picture of the 1952 Olympic 1500.)

Santee on the other hand probably could have won the 1500 with the training that he had done but the AAU officials would not allow him to compete in the 1500 at the Olympics because he had qualified in the 5000 which is not his best event. The 1500 was his best event but couldn't even try to qualify because the AAU thought he wasn't good enough for both events at the Olympic Level. He was so angry when he found out that the time was easily in his reach.


John Landy was not as good as he would become by any means so he was never in contention for any medals.

No comments: