The World Record History Of The 400 Meters - The Road To 42.99

One of the greatest events in track and field
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[@mehyt]

the summoning salt intro fits so well

[@Bergertron342]

First thing I noticed

[@FreekaPista]

It's like speedrunning irl 😎

[@benjamincollins9465]

The magic of the intro music pairs well with the build up at the end with the same music. This video missed the outro SS buildup…Only critique. Great video!

[@nro337]

🔥

[@philliproberts4103]

So much so that I think it's the same person

[@carsongambaro]

The 400m is such a unique blend of speed, strength and mental toughness that almost no other event can match. That's why I think it's the best event in the sport even if the athletes aren't always up to the same standards as in other events.

[@HunterThinker]

And endurance!! It takes a long time to get into good 400m shape. I never ran below 57 until I did XC. Then I ran 51's my senior year. I think I could have gone faster if I ran in college as my 100m time was 11.1 So I probably could have done 46 if I worked hard.

[@carsongambaro]

@@HunterThinker perhaps if I did XC whatsoever I could have gone much faster than 54 in HS

[@pierredeutschlander6578]

@@HunterThinker I agree. With many things there are different ways to train 400m people and it comes to 800m plus people which are endurance compared to 1 and 2 people more focusing on speed

[@HunterThinker]

@@pierredeutschlander6578 Yes. Bottom line, if you want to be world class in 400m, you need sub-20 200 speed.

[@timmytheinventor4746]

@@HunterThinker That's not true. Matthew Hudson-Smith is a 400m bronze medallist but he definitely doesn't have sub 20 200m speed as of right now.

[@Magnusfication]

One other thing that made Wade's record so amazing is the fact he ran it from lane 8 ALONE. That is just insane.

[@jraykotheanomaly2365]

I agree...I hated running in lane 8... and to break Michael Johnson record in lane 8 is absolutely insane

[@laurenmp7486]

It ironically might also have helped, since he just had to stick to what he was doing and didn't have see anyone ahead of him that would cause his mind to put any effort into thinking if they're getting closer, further away or not. He wouldn't have any idea if what he did was enough until the finish line. So all his mind had to deal with was just running. And he absolutely nailed it. That second hundred in 9.80 is just obscene.

[@EGbean2]

A 9.80 split? That time would win some 100m world championships

[@Kristofburger]

@@EGbean2 It's a flying split so not really comparable.

[@EGbean2]

@@Kristofburger I get that but it's still hella cool

[@elchappo1320]

Every now and then i rewatch waydes run in 2016 olympics. Its one of the greatest performances in all of sports history! So underrated!

[@yonggeun4222]

is that 42.99 in the headline a attention seeker?

[@ryanlunzen9794]

@@yonggeun4222 This guy makes really good videos but his clickbait is on another level.

[@Tirelesswarrior]

It's astonishing to see that a human being(Lee Evans) as far back as 1968 ran under 44seconds...(43.86sec), a time that would still win a major event today. 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@jraykotheanomaly2365]

I agree... absolutely incredible

[@elquebi]

Yes, rest in peace Mr Evans. San Jose State, Speed City.

[@manishchoudhary9310]

Black guy 🤧

[@jyewhin]

@@manishchoudhary9310 What's so funny?

[@jyewhin]

He was an absolute beast.

[@theerictalbert2841]

Love the Summoning Salt tribute at the beginning, it sucks to here what happened to his recent video

[@HockeyMetalRPG]

My track coach in high school used to say the 400 was created by an insane masochist.

[@kalen1702]

400 hurdles was so bad that I wished I was running an 800 every time

[@m.s.35]

I was a pole vaulter, ran in soccer and other sports but it had been a few years. At the end of a meet one day the coach had us pole vaulters run the 400 relay. I ran it in 63 seconds going all out and the entire bus ride home I was legitimately in and out of consciousness

[@kalen1702]

@@m.s.35 if you’re not used to going full tilt that long, it’ll mess you up. My strategy for when I had to run 400 hurdles was 100% first 200m, 95% 150m, then full speed last 50m and it sucks

[@m.s.35]

@@kalen1702 it was hell, I had a blast doing it but the second I finished I collapsed and was dizzy and out of it the rest of the day, I've run plenty of distance races and powerlifting comps since then never had anything like that happen again. My first half marathon fucked me up but not like that damn 400 did

[@kalen1702]

@@m.s.35 we had future All-Americans and even one Olympian 400m runner in my high school class and they all have puked/collapsed after running a 400 or 400 hurdles several times in high school. It’s the most brutal sprint (obviously) and that high impact effects your body more than even a sustained 3200m pace. I used to run 200m, 110m high hurdles, 400m hurdles, and 4x400 every meet on varsity from freshman to junior year and it made me a man lol

[@jraykotheanomaly2365]

thank you so much! great video. I ran the 400 in high school and college. i loved this race even though training for it was the most painful training I've ever done. my fastest is 48.5. much respect to all the athletes that have made this distance historic.

[@tyronedesilva5054]

Hey! You're a great guy. My favourite event too. Though I was a hurdler. 110m. Pretty good at school and national level. Never dipped below the 14 S barrier. 14.02 my best time. Matched it twice. Nice to have athletes comment. Have a great time mate. Am Sri Lankan 🇱🇰 .

[@gockartzz8272]

i am 16 rn but when i was 14 i ran and won a 1000 meter race. idk the time but i won just my a man length and that was the hardest training i have ever done. the stamina nedeed is insane

[@InTrancedState]

Oof all that training to not even run under 48secs

[@colinbclark]

I’m not much of a running historian, and the segment on Herb McKinley blew my mind. Holding the 100m, 400m, and 800m records simultaneously is absolute insanity. You said it right - what a legend.

[@derwinjohnson8174]

No he held the 100, 200, and 400.

[@thedailystride5407]

Oh man that intro always gets me 🔥 🔥

[@FranciscoGonzalez-rc3ki]

I never forget Alberto Juantorena when he won the 400 and 800 in the 1976 Olympics. I think, he is the only athlete in doing that. I hope someday you make a video about his achievement.

[@elquebi]

Yes I that remember too. He ran like a gazelle. I can see Athing Mu as a strong candidate to do it too if she gets the notion.

[@normhanson981]

In the uk , a famous commentator said “ Juantorena opened his legs and showed his class “ 😂

[@mikedauplaise7477]

Our family was at the Montreal Olympics for those races. We were very disappointed that Rick Wohlhuter couldn't catch Juantorena in the 800, but the Cuban's size and strength were incredible.

[@jwgolfing8412]

Over 5 sec of improvement over the last 100 yrs that’s crazy!

[@jhoncena1111]

That is! We're likely only going to see .5-1 second of improvement 100 years after the current world record.

[@paggyD2024]

Not really. If you consider that prior to 1968 Olympics, athletes ran on cinder tracks which for this distance is estimated to be ~2 secs slower than modern synthetic tracks. Also the old sprinting spikes were heavier than today’s lightweight spikes. So not an apples vs. apples comparison. A better relection is 0.83 secs improvement in approximately 50 years (1968 - 2016).

[@BlueHopi144]

Harry Butch Reynolds + M Johnson are my 2 Favorites of them all + the Us WR Relay Race with MJ clocking 42.9 on the anchor .

[@parkerfleischman1852]

I’ve waited a long time for this video and I think it was worth it. Liked the summoning salt into added to this.

[@PongGod]

What an awesome compilation. Nobody delivers track and field content like TRP!

[@nayman2801]

This is some retronym meta gaming stuff if I have ever seen it. Like Summoning Salt makes "speedrun" documentaries about video games. And now you are making ACTUAL speed running documentaries in his tribute. Brilliant.

[@Blobbyo25]

I didn't actually put this together in my head until you pointed it out! The original speed running xD

[@Rayer24]

Speedrun is one word 🤓

[@nayman2801]

@@Rayer24 thanks, I guess

[@gordonwaldner9792]

Excellent video. I remember the 68 Olympic race. Lee Evans attacked like nobody else. However, Larry James was with him all the way and only a tenth behind. I often wondered what the result would be if their lane selections had been reversed.

[@sevo12t]

Love how you study the history of the 400 m in track and feel and the fact that you’re showing that back then Jamaica had some history in the 400 m and in track and field as well maybe you can do a special on Jamaicans in track and field in the Olympics as well

[@ariaka5707]

9.80 on the backstrech is phenomenal 🤯van niekkerk was unbelievable

[@clayafterson1051]

bro was flying

[@laurenmp7486]

He's got just crazy speed his PR in the 100 is 9.94 and in the 200 19.80. Also he has the all time fastest time in the 300.

[@judsdragon]

yet another great vid from TRP, the amount of luv and effort u put into these vids shines thru with the professionalism u show, keep them coming please as theyre very much appreciated

[@uprightape100]

If professional careers, modern shoes, and rubberized concrete tracks were available to them, Lee Evans and Tommy Smith woulda run with ANYONE from today. Speed City forever.

[@elquebi]

Yes, and the creators of the Mondo running surfaces actually play up the energy return properties of the surface materials. What's next? Micro jets embedded in the soles of the shoes?

[@nicolaspietrangelo5573]

Love the tribute to SummoningSalt!!! His videos are legendary, even for people who don't care much about videogame speedrunning outside of his videos, like myself

[@Normandy1944]

The mind blowing 🤯 stats and historical knowledge nuggets just keep flowing.

[@noneleft]

LOL I laughed out loud at the summoning salt intro Great video xD

[@Shevock]

Great video. I love those old times because they were amateurs and accomplished so much. The pro times are certainly unbelievable, but to do it as an amateur is amazing.

[@Tirelesswarrior]

Great video. Human nature is beautiful miracle. The evolution of 400m is intriguing.

[@pumagutten]

The 400 meter is in many ways the king of running events. 43,86 by Lee Evans will always have a special place in my heart!

[@tensor131]

another tour de force .... your enthusiasm and attention to detail is truly infectious! Thank you

[@Quickhand413]

Dang, that intro always hits no matter what channel uses it. I thought I was gonna see Michael Johnson clip through the track at some point

[@allenward758]

As a 440/400 meter runner in HS and Jr College I always loved the 400 as my favorite event to watch and compete. This video was extremely interesting. If you had shown the entire race of each race it would be even better!!

[@wilhelmw3455]

Great video and I’d like to see more videos on the history of other track and field events.

[@jacobiannace9476]

He has made a ton of them you just have to look them up

[@henrymarkson3758]

Alberto Juantorena is a significant omission. He won the 1500 in the Montreal Olympics in a world record, and three days later he won the 400 in a low altitude world record time. It must me remembered that Evans' world record was set at high altitude.

[@michaelnorris545]

It. Was. The. 400. And. The. 800

[@henrymarkson3758]

Yes it was the 800, followed by the 400. You can't have a history of the 400m without including Jauntorena.

[@gauravjha8938]

A walk down the memory lane!! It was spectacular to watch all the greats over the century …

[@loganswims]

I am a swimmer and I only follow track through your videos because of how well you are able to keep it entertaining. I was wondering if you would ever make a video like this about swimming (world record progressions…) I understand running is in the name of your KZbin channel, but I would really love to see it!

[@johnpsmith19]

A video comparing the progressions of the 400m freestyle record to the 1500m/mile records would be lots of fun to watch.

[@jayxo4012]

I second this plea

[@memorymasebenza9887]

@@johnpsmith19 you're right he I'm a track runner but I also like to see some swimming content

[@memorymasebenza9887]

He should highlight swimming races like he does with the diamond League track races

[@ulysseciment2951]

Really love the summoning salt tribute

[@iyngaranathanselvaratnam6590]

'Rudolph Harbig is the the only German Athlete to hold the 400m World Record' - What about Marita Koch, the German female runner that still holds the women's 400m World Record of 47.60 (irrespective of the questions that linger over this record)?

[@billybud9557]

In Rio Wayde had two Olympic Champs finishing Silver and Bronze behind him. Great race!

[@mcl-cp4go]

Great job Total Running Productions! Makes me a bit sad about Wade van Niekirk's injury, though..Who knows what he could have accomplished if he didn't get hurt.

[@benitadewet9344]

Indeed. If only he heeded his trainer's advice not to play in touch rugby match!!!

[@dripkingg12]

as a 400m runner, the 800m is one of the most intricate and difficult races, running sub 1:44 is definitely taking some years off your life😂😂

[@brendanhall2478]

Summoning salt music 🤯

[@tucker2052]

400m is by far the greatest and most exciting race in track in my opinion.

[@fitness]

This was amazing! Thank you for making these!

[@etonelli1]

This was an excellent piece of research, and really well mixed and a minimum of repetitions of frames. AND THE MUSIC AIN'T BAD, either! Bravo! Never puked after the 400, so I was too slow for that event...had to move up to the 880 and mile!

[@GreatwhitesharkEDITZ]

42.9 that’s insane who knows what our future holds for us 😮

[@kingofthenerds7925]

Aw hell nah Total Running Productions got the Summoning Salt music

[@josephazzopardi322]

One cannot compare todays' athletes with those of the sixties and further back. Today 's athletes are full professionals. Athletes like Carr, Harbig , Mckenley and Evans and Smith and others deserve to be rated as legends.

[@SamWade]

This is great! Would love to see more videos like this on events like the 800, the mile and 5/10k

[@kunalbasnet8050]

Wayde van niekerk the legend 🔥🔥🔥

[@yt_hatescrime_data4301]

The 48 seconds back in 1912 is actually pretty impressive when u think about the lack of knowledge on how to train and the training equipment and techniques as well as they were running on dirt. That guy could probably run sub 46 if he was running in 2022.

[@jozefserf2024]

Yes, he would. Faster shoes and faster tracks for a start.

[@shobhit2197]

Summoning salt intro is insane lol

[@brucewilson1958]

Thank you for an excellent history lesson. So much talent. Bravo all runners.

[@MaskedOG]

Love the development of the actual track they run on! Found my grandpa’s shoes for running on sand.

[@panenthea]

I'd be curious for some mention in these historical videos of much cinder tracks and heavier shoes slowed times compared to today.

[@rev68]

Going with the Summoning Salt intro was actually very effective.

[@brianbethune616]

I nice to the Jamaica held the 400m world record at some point

[@elquebi]

Yes, nice piece of information for those us who thought Jamaican track started with Don Quarrie. And the only one to be an ympic finalist in the 100, 200 and 400m.

[@___Hope]

He’s making a comeback

[@hairypotter3147]

Holy moley congrats on 500k!!

[@dumbemail7233]

Great informative video :)

[@samb3303]

Wow Wayde. Amazing 🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦

[@toddsands6000]

The 200m and 400m are my two most favorite sprints. I commend the fastest athletes running the 400m. The strength, speed, power and mental toughness is 2nd to none when watching athletes run the 400m at full tilt.

[@choklitfactory]

Ahhhh a bit of click bait!! But this is my favourite race, so I appreciate this video. What an amazing race and group of athletes. Would like to see this done for the female athletes as well.

[@rednation245]

huge respect from the speedgaming community for the shoutout, keep up the awesome work

[@christophersmith3254]

I heard the intro and thought it was a 100m re-upload. Love that video

[@Losentetre]

Thank you for the knowledge TRP! Keep it going like this!

[@jason115pl]

I love your content man. Do you plan - or already did so - to go on with a livestream or so? Would really like to interact with you on live basis. Peace 🙏🏻.

[@yaggin]

Go outside and make some friends bud

[@greatleapforwards]

As a south African...Michael Johnson is still the greatest 400m runner of all time

[@wazzupsomesomesome5472]

Plz do more of these literally with every distance

[@jcsrio15]

For a second I thought TRP and Summoning Salt were the same person! I was like WTF 🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯

[@bxrvxjsc1119]

Loved this!

[@writerjmd]

An interesting note to your video.....Decathalete Bill Toomey ran 45.6 for 400 meters as part of a decathalon in the Olympics

[@nathanielmills4678]

The wr splits are insane!

[@robertthomas6655]

I was going to say you ripped off summoning salt and then you threw that up on the screen 😂 two of my favorite channels

[@justusfunk966]

Did you use the summoningsalt audio because of his recent megaman video controversy? If so thats incredible, huge props!!

[@TheUKNutter]

I think you’re overthinking this.

[@justusfunk966]

@@TheUKNutter yeah your probably right

[@Ianmundo]

Van Niekerk’s 100m splits 10.70, 9.80, 10.50, 12.03 …that is absolutely insane

[@BrockMolden]

This is a testament to the fact that the 96 bulls would walk current teams or at least compete very nicely… and ones haven’t changed that much accounted for 125 years the track Change and shoe change rules alone probably account for 4 seconds. What would wade run with the shoes and track from the early 1900’a. People love saying the athlete is improving but runnin 22 mph on a dirt road vs a track is very different.

[@JoeMama-mp9jb]

Someone’s been watching summoning salt lmao

[@joemama5968]

My brother

[@jonathanbauer9279]

This gave me big big time Wirtual vibes. And that is something great

[@gluon8760]

Thanks for sharing , love it !

[@carlkinglewis]

EPIC Video for real athletes connoisseurs

[@TrackStar42]

I watch waydes race every day practically, Im training to break it in 2024 if not 2028!

[@midwestnagyfa]

Hey, good luck. I'd be glad to see it

[@turbotoby95]

Need more videos like this TRP!

[@lillyanneserrelio2187]

Eastman was superman. His glasses disguise cant fool me. He almost gave his identity away but slowed down his pace in that sprint

[@ihaveaname8874]

400m is such a tough race, I know 2 guys who won titles, a world champion title in 1986 and a European Indoor title in 1986 and 1988

[@kasieobi6895]

Insane video!😍

[@Mantid]

True speedrunning

[@alexkeeble2046]

They should do a competition where the athletes have to wear the same shoes and clothes that the runners in 1912 did to see how much of an impact the new gear has

[@tomsmithie3917]

When I ran high school track, the 400 meter tore you up. It hurt. And that was to run a 0:54.

[@user-me8qj6zk8n]

That fun and informative.. thank s

[@orlyozzie]

thanks TRP for sharing...Awesome

[@nro337]

Awesome video!!

[@BillHFA]

The Summoning Salt reference was brilliant.

[@memorymasebenza9887]

Can you also do 200m world record progression

[@jacobdoyle420]

Do a video on Jeremy Wariner. Fastest white man of all time, 4 Olympic medals and 6 world championship medals. 4th fastest 400m in history with a PB of 43.45 and almost completely unknown to today's track fans

[@kitmanlam814]

you did that summoning salt intro very well. good shit

[@frankpagel39]

I think the great thing of Summoning Salt is, that he shows also very good 2nd places and person who are competing at a very high level and fight for a WR. This video is just about the WR holder and the time development. Maybe it would be nice if you show some other athletes like Jeremy Wariner who runs the second most sub 44s times. Even Michael Johnson said, that he will probably get the WR. I think it would be better to show some other athletes who are kinda short of the WR (cause of injury for example). Or explain new techniques, equipment or training methods. Its a good video btw. Sorry for my bad english

[@StrandedKnight84]

Yup. This video is decent, but Summoning Salt is on another level when it comes to storytelling.

[@stevesims2243]

very well done, thanks for the history lesson!

[@vernonfrance2974]

Aug 26, 1999. Michael Johnson broke the 11 year-old record in the 400m. Oct. 1, 2000 - US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) Begins Operations with full authority for testing, education, research and adjudication for U.S. Olympic, Pan Am and Paralympic athletes. It is USADA's responsibility to develop a comprehensive national anti-doping program for the Olympic Movement in the United States." 16 January 2001 - Michael Johnson confirmed: "This is my final season, I am retiring, I will be going on a farewell tour-and I am not going to the World Championships," said Johnson."

[@docsmithdc]

Great video.Thanks.

[@jmyyer]

Wondering what a world class dog with peak training methods could achieve on a 400 m

[@jmyyer]

Plus carbon-plate shoes !

[@jhoncena1111]

Probaby low 20s

[@YoSmoked]

I respect to everyone who were involved in this, Seriously the best piece that I' ve ever seen on KZbin, HATS OFF TO WELL ALL ! LOVE YOUR VIDEOS!! 💖❤😒😊💖