As mentioned, the Women's 800m record
will have stood for 20 years in July 2003. This is under the
name of the Czech powerhouse, Jarmila Kratochvílová,
with 1:53.28
Maria Mutola who for a long time was
seen as a suitable candidate to challenge this record; when
questioned about the validity of the times which fall under
the cloud of being drug boosted, was quick to respond that
she feels that they shouldn't be removed from the record books.
We are not sure whether the rest of the
ladies agree with this sentiment, however our job is only
to record the times the athletes have run and not to become
involved with speculation.
To come close to the record we need female
800m runners who can run sub 51 seconds for 400m consistently,
and this feature has yet to emerge on the Women's 800m scene.
With the retirement of Stephane Graf
[Austria], it leaves Jolande Ceplak [Slovenia] and Mutola
as the main protagonists, however it is about time for this
distance to produce a wonder athlete.
Here's hoping.
Update... A number of Russian ex-400m athletes have moved up in distance but have yet to truly threaten the 800m record and have even failed to shine (in taking Gold) at the major Championships
See all-time Top 30 athletes list below
