I mean how much faster can someone run the 100 over his normal rate, assuming one avails of the best training, be at his best physical and mental condition, and every other prerequisite for being at the top of the game? I only came across one article in Sports Illustrated concerning Herschel Walker: that one cannot shorten one’s normal time by more than 0.5 seconds over the 100 course.
Anything?
I don’t think there’s a firm factual answer, as it depends on what shape the person is starting in. I mean, the best training in the world will not increase Usain Bolt’s time by much, as he’s pretty much already at the peak that current training can get you.
For someone like me, reasonably in shape but not doing much sprinting at all, if I could train full-time with top-of-the-line facilities for the 100m dash, I could get down maybe a full second or more from what I could do now.
For an overweight couch potato without any real underlying physical limitations, I be dedicated training could remove many seconds.
ok. given your conditions 0.5 seconds really sounds pessimistic. but if we narrow it down to top athletes like bolt, it’ll probably just be the biggest variance in one’s average (average competition speed vs. personal best.) the numbers should be interesting.
Jeff Demps
11th grade 100m 10.91
12th grade 100m 10.01 Natl record.
PR 9.96 (wind)
World record is 9.58