Steve Ovett/Henry Rono:2 Miles(WR),London 1978
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- čas přidán 25. 05. 2015
- The criticism of top athletes not facing each other couldn't be leveled at the two top middle distance runners of 1978 in this end of season meet in London.In a classic confrontation the great Kenyan Henry Rono(4 WR's and undefeated that season),one of the greatest front runners of all time,tried everything to run the finish out of one of the most feared kicks of all time,that of Britain's Steve Ovett,trying his hand at a longer distance than usual.In the mix was the legendary Pole Bronislaw Malinowski.That Ovett had to break the world record to win was less surprising than how damned easy he made it look ! This has been kicking around on the Tube for awhile,but this is hopefully of better quality than has been available before.
Steve Ovett was so unbelievable. He destroyed John Walker and Thomas Wessinghage in 1977 and then Henry Rono in 1978. He is by far and away the most natural born runner this country has ever produced.
Wow. Rono had been so dominant in that summer. It's likely that nobody else will ever set world records in the 3000m, 5000m, 10000m and 3000m Steeplechase in the same year or even hold them at the same time. And this wasn't even Ovett's distance, but Rono couldn't get rid of him no matter what he tried. Ovett knew he had way more speed which is why before he even started his sprint he knew it was over. This might have been an even greater win for Ovett than his Olympic 800 win.
Ovett's pinnacle year. This was the race that sealed the BBC Sports Personality of the Year for him. Fantastic race.
I was there that evening with my dad and my grandad. I was 8 years old. We were seated along the finishing straight towards the line. We ALL stood up cheering and clapping as he waved to the crowd. One of my most amazing childhood memories.
I believe that he was the best mid distance runner
RIP Henry Rono,a a special runner in his time
I was there that night.Unforgettable.Ovett looked so smooth.The win was never in doubt.Still can't believe Coe beat Ovett in 1500m in 1984.
Greatest runner we’ve ever produced. Ovett was the GOAT
Almost overnight, Ovett made middle distance running watchable again. By rights he should have run much faster times but he was a racer at heart and that`s why he was loved and hated with equal intensity.
People talk about Coe’s elegant running style....Ovett here is effortless, almost at a jog against that year’s athlete of the year Henry Rono!
1978,
What a fantastic with the great crowd and david Coleman at his best Steve ovett is a legend and gave many great races to remember and admire him by
What a great race ! And yes, as others have said, I think 1978 was Steve Ovett's golden year. He was pretty much unbeatable that year (at anything other than 800 metres. Shame it wasn't an Olympic year.
I feel quite tearful watching Steve especially with the commentary . what fantastic years they were.
An era of personalities. Great crowds.
This is the greatest race ever. Here in America Rono that year dropped "everyone". To this day his records still stand. The fact that he had the guts to run against him period that year is amazing, but to beat him!
Thanks for posting this better quality capture of this race; one of my favourite Ovett races.
I love these old athletic videos, thanks for post.
Great night ....I ran in the race which followed steves epic performance ( junior 800 mts ) whole place was buzzing
Some of the below comments are pathetic. I like to look at this race as it was; a fabulous field of top athletes and a clever tactical win from Ovett who timed his finish very well. Superb stuff, thanks for a great upload.