Why does size matter?

The conversion depends on the athlete (whether he is a fast starter or peaks early, etc.) But in no scenario is the WSJ conversion any where close to being correct.

 

I was a two time All-American in track, competed at Jr. Nationals four times, D1 scholarship... and have followed the sport pretty hardcore until a few years ago. I could talk you bored stiff on the subject.

Since 40 years only reflects the initial drive phase of a 100 meters, there is no true conversion. A very good sprinter doesn't hit top gear until about 45-60 meters and then the end time is largely the result of how well he can maintain that speed. For example I did a legit 4.4, had really good acceleration but didn't have a good top gear and only registered a 10.7 the one time I ran a full auto timed 100 (it wasn't my event). Warrick Dunn was a legit 4.3 guy who dabbled in track and ran a 10.33 100 meters. Deion Sanders was a 4.27 guy who did a 10.2 in basketball shoes, so we know he could go much faster. Michael Bennet was a 4.28 guy who went 10 flat in 100m. So, there are some references for you. It is inconceivable that a 4.4 or even 4.5 guy could only muster an 11.4 in the 100 meters.

My source on the Jim Brown times are a guy who went to Syracuse with him and is now passed. These times were corroborated by other T&F historians who I knew and trusted. I honestly don't keep up on the stuff like I did a few years ago. I just found a reference (Lexington Herald, 1/11957) for Brown running 100 yards in 10.2 which equates to about an 11.3, so I am believing that to be about his speed.

OK, if you want to carry the Jim Brown discussion via message I am cool with that, but I think this cul de sac of discussion is probably boring everyone to tears.

 

Cool, interesting stuff! Yeah, I had heard he did the 100 yards in under 10 seconds in some documentaries but I couldn't verify it. It's too bad there isn't an officially recorded time.

I'm also thinking back to that Ted Talk about how scientists found that had Jesse Owens used modern technology, he would've been a stride behind Bolts record. I wonder if that could've effected Browns time too.

 

Anyone know anything about the science behind Epstein's analysis? He apparently measured Owens' joint speed? Is this standard practice? I've never read of anyone else doing such a thing.

 

Wasn't it more about the technology used? Like the shoes, material of the track, the starting blocks, etc...

They actually got Andre De Grasse to test this out. He runs the 100 meters with Owens technology:

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Jesse Owens beats him. Did you guys take this into consideration when you compared Browns time to Petersons? Seems like the equipment makes a huge difference. Even De Grasse says "That was the hardest 100 meters I've ever ran."

 

Then Valuev at 7ft tall and 323 pounds is the greatest heavyweight champion of all time??? Not really...

 

Dago a smaller fighter has to take a beating inorder to get inside. Tyson said that Lewis was to big.

 

No. Terrible reasoning there, Rocky.

 

Exactly. Mobile, skilled big men who can control the fighting distance will trouble even the greatest little heavies.

 

The uppercut is the weapon of the bigger fighter. Dominate the key by making the little fighter come to you, throw pawing jabs followed by an effortless right uppercut and left hook- pivot left with the hook this is called hitting movement.

 

George foreman beat joe Fraser by putting his right hand on joe's left shoulder and throwing short left uppercuts.

 

If a 200 lbs man was as slow and unskilled as Valuev, could he have even won 1 round against Chagaev?

 

Works beautifully against crouches and guys who bob & weave especially.

 

200-lb Valuev is a security guard or maybe runs one of the concession stands.

 

Wow. Kevin and Seamus are in such a hurry to jump down my throat any time I say anything good about past athletes. Then I post this simple video. And they go silent.

It's more informative than dubious sources on Browns sprint time.
It's more informative than all of Seamus' experience.
It's probably the most informative thing any of us could produce on the topic.

Yet, when a great source of knowledge comes tumbling down the street, they lock their doors!

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Really reinforces my beliefs about who here is agenda driven, and who here is a seeker of knowledge.