After some review, we've come to an important conclusion.
While a fairly high percentage of the fastest milers in the country has the requisite speed to lay down a fast 800m, the percentage of 400m runners who can successfully move up to the 800m with a comparable time is lower. In other words, it seems generally easier for long distance runners to move down to middle distance than short distance runners to move up to middle distance.
We reviewed athletes with combined performances in the 400-800 and the 800-1600 and compared them over equal distances to see where most athletes stack up. We also included a parameter in both comparisons to include the top total combined times.
Notes:
- Caitlin Collier is No. 1 in 800m with a 1600m performance -- and No. 1 in 1600m with a combined race -- and has No. 19-fastest 400m with an 800m effort. She also has No. 1 total 400m-800m and 800-1600m time.
- Jan'Taijah Ford is US No. 1 in the 400m (52.82), but has trouble going up in distance to 800m (2:30.4...
