What Makes a Good Sprinter? Southampton
What Makes a Good Sprinter?
VersatilityMost athletes will not be able to compete exclusively in one sprint event. Reasons for this could be pragmatic: only being willing to race over one distance might not earn an athlete enough prize money (or media exposure, which can lead to more money) to survive on. Where this doesn't apply, such as for more high-profile (i.e. rich) runners, an athlete may feel that running over two events is more enjoyable and varied, and gives them a better chance of success. The indoor season is often not run by certain high-profile athletes, who may like the atmosphere, different distances or extra corners involved. Again, some will have to run in the season to earn themselves enough money. While certain athletes will be 100 metre runners, and will run further distances for fun or money, many will be hugely competent over multiple events. Namibian Frankie Fredericks has been successful over 100 m and 200 m (and may run the 60 m and/or 200 m in the indoor season). Michael Johnson won gold medals over 200 m and 400 m in the 1996 Olympics, and also in the 4 x 400 m relay. Runners rarely have problems running relays when they are competitive in the individual event. HurdlersSometimes 100 m and 400 m runners will have competed in their hurdles events at the same distance, and there is an amount of interchangeability about the flat and hurdle events, although it is difficult to be a world class performer in both events. Sometimes runners will start off as a hurdler, but catalysed by an event such as injury, will switch to flat races. It is more common for hurdlers to go to the flat than for runners to start hurdling. Often a 400 m hurdler will be able to run the 4 x 400 m relay, Chris Rawlinson of Great Britain being a good example. This is possibly partly because the hurdles and the relay involve a less "controlled" environment, containing obstacles such as opposing teams jostling for position (after 600m of the relay, the runners break lanes, and are allowed to take the inside lane) or the hand-over of the baton, or physical obstacles - the 91 cm/76 cm (men's/women's) hurdles. Biological Factors for RunnersSome biological factors that can determine a sprinter's potential are:
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