As the token kiwi on the list I feel it is my duty to note the exploits of
Peter Snell in regards to Matthew H Fraser Moat's question of who should be
on both 800/1500m all-time lists. Snell won two Olympic 800m titles (Coe
could "only" manage silver). Snell won the Olympic 1500m in Tokyo in 1964
by such an impressive margin (he was smiling coming into the home straight).
Snell never officially held the world record for 1500m he did break the WR
for the mile twice.
The 800/1500m double has been attempted many times (if my memory is right)
only Snell and Edwin Flack in 1896 have achieved it. If you want somebody
to put at the top of your list it would be Snell (he also held the WR for
the 800m and 1000m). Does that make him the greatest middle distance
runner of all-time? Maybe.
Also if you are looking for longevity Coe doesn't rank nearly as high on my
list and John Walker (opps another kiwi). Still got to hand it to Coe
double 1500m titles (when El Guerrouj can't mange one) and his WR 800m was a
fantastic mark.
Really shows what value we place on winning an Olympic Gold medal.
Stephen Blair
