The Facts of Altitude Training in Ranau, Sabah

The idea of altitude training began in 1950's and flared up after the 1968 Mexico Olympics which lies at an altitude of 2,290m above the sea level where most athletes broke all types of record likes:

•  Jim Hines became the first man to break 10s in the 100 metres.
•  Tommie Smith broke the 20s barrier despite raised his arms 15m before the line.
•  Again in the 400m, Lee Evans became the first man to break 44s barrier.
•  Bob Beamon leapt 8.90m in the long jump, eclipsed the previous WR by 55cm.
•  Olympic records at high jump, pole vault, shot put, javelin and hammer throw etc.
•  17 World records in track and field and so on.

NOTE: M. Jegathesan clocked 20.92s at 200m during the 1968 Mexico Olympics. The time is notable for the fact that no Malaysia has yet been able to equal it, and has stood as the Malaysian record for more than four decades now.

Controversial Ranau sports complex as MAAU training venue for SEAG

The air is thinner at higher altitude enables athletes to sprint faster, jump higher, throw further etc. However the only problem about altitude training is that the topic has been heavily baffled by beliefs concerning its effects rather than a rational to understand of what really occurred (physiological changes) because of exposure to altitude training.

For general overview about altitude training see the previous article

Benefits of altitude training 

Training effects on metabolic and cardiovascular that occur at altitude (training) are:

• Erythropoietin (EPO) increases - more red cells production stimulated - carry more oxygen to muscles.
• Increase of submaximal heart rate and cardiac outputs - more volume of blood pumped by the heart (at one heartbeat).
• Elevated (increased) capillary volume - creates more blood pathways to muscle cell.
• Improve oxygenation - muscles activity will be more efficient and recovery time will be shorten. 
• Body fluids more alkaline (because of less in carbon dioxide) - ability to buffer acid lactic (means lesser lactic at altitude).
• A higher volume of mitochondria - powerhouses in cells - generate ATP - more energy.
• An increase in the lungs' ability - exchange gases more efficient - every breath take more oxygen.

Which sports or athletes who would get the benefits?

This is typical question by many people. Which sports or events that can have the most benefit from altitude training? distance runners? sprinters? jumpers? throwers? walkers? footballers? swimmers?

The question is not fully elaborated so the answer would be not that simple. However the best answer might be this, "depend on the specific objective or aim". Hence, a runner who wish to improve the aerobic capacity may perform an altitude training stint. A pole vaulter who wish to break record may choose a competition that is held at altitude due to lower air resistant (e.g. Sergey Bubka WR 6.14m). A quarter-miler may use altitude training to improve the quality of sea level training. All athletes might need to get altitude exposure if the next important competition to be held at altitude (1968 U.S Olympic Trials at Echo Summit comes to mind).

Background of Ranau (as altitude training site)

Ranau is a district that located around 100km from the state capital, Kota Kinabalu. Ranau is known for its hilly geographic structure and has many wonderful places including the mount Kinabalu (4,095m). The average elevation of Ranau is not known but according to Sabah Tourism the place is at 1,176m above the sea level, and it was probably measured at the town. The average temperature ranges from 16°C at night to 24°C in the day. Following is an estimate all-day temperature in Ranau (near Kundasang and some other places):

02:00 A.M - 19°C         08:00 A.M - 20°C         02:00 P.M - 25°C        08:00 P.M - 19°C

 Awesome High Altitude environment at Mesilau Ranau (6560ft above sea level)

Altitude training in Ranau, Sabah

Ranau has several potential sites for altitude training in which are easily accessible from the main road. One of the sites is at Kundasang, a small town (part of Ranau) that situated approximately 12 km from Ranau town, located at altitude (average) of 1,600m above the sea level (2,000m at Kundasang golf club) and this place could be classified moderate altitude.

Another potential site for altitude training is at Bundu Tuhan that located around 30km from Ranau town towards Kota Kinabalu. The altitude for Bundu Tuhan is around 1,770m above the sea level, also classified  moderate altitude.

High altitude meanwhile is specifically classified at any elevation of 2,500m to 3,500m from the sea level. In Ranau, the highest altitude is surely 4,095m (peak of mount Kinabalu), and there are surely many accessible areas at lower altitudes, that can be utilized for running training. For instance, with altitude (average) of over 2000m, Mesilau Plateau may be suitable and a possible place for runners who would like to experience training at higher altitude. This area is situated around Kundasang, not far from the main road (Ranau - Kota Kinabalu) or the Kundasang town, easily accessible and there are many lodges, hotels around (Kundasang town).

High altitude is probably best done with "live high - train low" method. This method will require you to live (not training) at an altitude area for at least 8 hours a day (night, sleep time) for 4-6 weeks long. During the period, the training is done at sea level or low altitude. The physiological changes can occur while you're exposed with the environment when living at altitude.

How about at Ranau Sports Complex (RSC)? 
RSC is located  8km from Ranau town and geographically awesome. This place is surrounded by the crocker range and situated at altitude of 780m or 2560ft (measured exactly at the main stadium). Since the elevation of Ranau sports complex is classified as low altitude, athletes would probably not gaining any physiological benefit (according to scientific findings) from training at there. However, the real benefit of altitude training at this place may be environmental.

RSC has the finest condition setting as a training ground for all sports. The cooler temperature (average of 21°C during standard training times, A.M &  P.M), fresh air, and beautiful scenery and so on would be the advantages for athletes as these conditions may allow the athletes to push the body to a greater extend than that of training at less favorable places or conditions. The peaceful environments can also promote mind and physical comfort and this will surely elevate the training readiness and performance.

Quick notes for altitude training

• High altitude (2,500m - 3,500m) training shouldn't exceed 4 weeks at one stay.
• The lower the altitude, the longer time we need to get the maximum benefit of altitude training.

note: photos from unknown sources / original owners.

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Asian Athletics - Full Ranking 2010

Asian Athletics Ranking for 2010 is now available for FREE download. This free edition is courtesy of Mr. Heinrich Hubbeling (A.T.F.S for IAAF and Asian AA) for Asian AA correspondents. The rankings include the top 10 lists at each Olympic events and a few additional non-Olympic events. Click here to download. Malaysia's Top Performers (Ranking) for 2010 also available, click here to request.

Asian Athletics Ranking for 2010 (click image to enlarge)  (download)

However, the more indepth statistics (handbook) for 2010 (and previous years) is only available from Mr. Heinrich Hubbeling. Detailed handbook item are as follows:  (If you're interested please refer to pricing below).

2009 Asian Athletics Handbook

+ Asian Continental TOP 30 at each events
+ Detailed lists for additional best performers from countries other than CHN or JPN (up to best 4 per country for each event)

+ Report for all national records during 2009 season

+ ASIAN Continental records as at 31.12.2009 (Seniors/Juniors / Outdoors and Seniors / Indoors)

+ ASIAN athletes in world lists 2009 (survey)

2010 Asian Athletics Handbook - Soon this year.

Previous Publications / Handbooks

Interested on the previous Asian Athletics statistics ?? A few copies still available from the editions for the seasons 1998, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 at reduced price of EURO 10/USD 15 per copy (while all other Yearbooks are sold out); In addition few copies of the “ASIAN Athletics All-Time Rankings as at 31.12.2000”- Book are still available against reduced payment of EURO 15/USD 23.


Pricing and Order

-EURO 15/USD 23 (surface mail) by payment:

  -in cash (per letter) in EURO, USD or equivalent in other currency     or

  -by International Money Order ( IMO );

  -payments by cheque (banks outside of Germany) not possible due to the very high bank charges.

For more detailed information about the publication / handbooks (and order), please contact Mr Heinrich Hubbeling by email at : hhubbeling@t-online.de   OR   contact me at :  info@adriansprints.com  if you have questions. 

Recommended track and field handbooks: 

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2nd USM Open Relay - Results, Videos, Photos

The 2nd edition of USM Open Relay concluded yesterday at USM Athletics Stadium, Bayan Lepas, Penang.

More than 30 teams from the whole country were taking part including the full-strength UPM's women team in the 4x200 metres which comprises top national sprinters, Siti Fatimah Mohamed, Nurul Sarah Abdul Kadir, Norjanah Hafiszah and Siti Zubaidah Adabi.

Special thanks to the organizer for the success in making this event as one of the most popular track meets at the national level at the moment. Also not forgotten about the initiative on the total price money increased from RM 13,000 last year to RM 19,000 this year. ("cough.. cough.") I hope they will add another RM 6,000 to make a total of RM 25,000 price money next year...!!

However, this event could be more interesting and attracts more participants if it be held during the Malaysia's athletics season (April-October). Because competitive athletes are going through the conditioning or preparation phase at the moment and most of them disallowed to take part by their coaches.

Major results are as follow:

MEN

4x200 Metres Open
1, Navy Team, 1:30.6s
2, Serantau Striders Team, 1:30.9s
3, University Putra Malaysia (UPM) Team, 1:31.2s
4, PDRM (Police) Team, 1:31.3S
5, Performances Team, 1:31.6s.

4x800 Metres Open
1, Serantau Striders, 08:18.8s.

Medley Open (200m - 200m - 400m - 800m)
1, Serantau Striders Team, 3:32.6s
2, University Putra Malaysia Team, 3:41.1s

Medley Junior
1, SSN Malacca "A", 3:42.7s.


WOMEN

4x200 Metres Open
1, University Putra Malaysia Team, 1:45.2
(Siti Zubaidah, Norjannah Hafiszah, Siti Fatimah, Nurul Sarah)
2, Performances Team, 1:51.2

Medley Open (200m - 200m - 400m - 800m)
1,University Putra Malaysia "B", 4:21.2s.
2, Performances Team, 4:27.7s.

MIXED (W-M-M-W)

4x100 Metres Open
1, University Putra Malaysia "Team A", 44.7s.

Video

4x200m women final

Photos (Later)

NOTE: If full results is not available at the games website, you can request your event results via email address below (I've got the full results in the paper format):

Email: info@adriansprints.com

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Asics Gel Nimbus 12 (Recommended for High Performance Athletes)

 Asics Gel Nimbus 12 is a new update of Asics’ top cushioning shoe. The updates have been focused on improving the cushioning, the stability features and the upper comfort. The cushioning is mainly provided by the use of the Gel technology.

The Nimbus 12 also features gender-specific engineering. Thus, both male and female could own the Asics Nimbus 12 now.  

Advantages:

1) Impact Guidance System: Asics Gel Nimbus 12 is designed to enhance the foot's natural gait (the natural motion of the running foot) from heel strike to toe-off.

2) Sockliner: Provides a high level of cushioning performance and anti-microbial properties for a cooler, drier, healthier environment (keep the feet comfortable and dry during the heat of a run).

3) Weight: Relatively light, Men 11.9 oz , Women 9.8 oz Asics Gel Nimbus 12 is highly recommended to sprinter, middle distance runners, long distance runner, marathoner, jumpers (high jump, long jump, triple jump), and can be worn by anyone in any activities.  















Review from users:

1) "With the high mileage that I do, it is important I have a shoe that provides me with the best cushioning possible. This shoe does that and more," Lee Troop, Marathoner / ASICS Ambassador.

2) "I've Adidas, Mizuno, Nike and Asics as well but Asics Gel Nimbus is super great. The best cushioning and softest design just to make sure your leg is "supported" and comfortable when  running, jogging, jumping and traveling & shopping, too!," Jad A.W., Sprinter.  

Video Review

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Usain Bolt on Rafael Nadal "Laures Sportsman of The Year" Awards

Renowned tennis player, Rafael Nadal added his second awards of "Lauraes Sportsman of the Year" yesterday in a ceremony held in Abu Dhabi. For the record, he has been honoured the award for the first time in 2006.

The 24-year-old who won the French Open, Wimbledon and US Open titles in 2010 beat out the Filipino boxer Manny Pacquaio, NBA’s Kobe Bryant, footballer Lionel Messi and others.

Usain Bolt (I'm not gonna waste my time to introduce who the man is!), gives a credit to Nadal but announces a warning to get the same award next year.

Well, it's not arrogant!, it's a sort of encouragement for fans to book the World Championship's tickets and witnesses Usain Bolt smashing the World records. Below is Bolt's 'official announcement' on the facebook:

The complete list of Laureus winners is as follows:

World Sportsman of the Year: Rafael Nadal
World Sportswoman of the Year: Lindsey Vonn
World Team of the Year: Spain World Cup Team
World Breakthrough of the Year: Martin Kaymer
World Comeback of the Year: Valentino Rossi
World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability: Verena Bentele
World Action Sportsperson of the Year: Kelly Slater
Lifetime Achievement Award: Zinedine Zidane
Spirit of Sport Award: European Ryder Cup Team
Sport for Good Award: May El-Khalil

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Altitude Training - Benefits, Methods, Guidelines, Training Sites

Without getting into very details (because I'll continue to cover the rest in the future), this post will provide only the general illustration regarding altitude training.

One of the reasons for altitude training is to increase the hormone synthesis  (i.e. erythropoietin) to stimulate more red blood cells. The main function of red cells is to carry oxygen from lungs to the tissues and organs.

When the body has more red blood cells, higher oxygen delivery can be effectively transported and this will result in an enhancement of aerobic respiratory, e.g. maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 Max). The improvement in the value of VO2 Max can be translated into an improvement of aerobic or endurance capacity as well as anaerobic capacity.

How do you define altitude?

Altitude is defined as 'height above the sea level' as follow:
1) Low Altitude: Up to 1500 metres
2) Moderate Altitude: 1500 to 2500 metres
3) High Altitude: 2500 to 4000 metres
4) Very High Altitude: 4000 to 5500 metres
5) Extremely High Altitude: Above 5500 metres
+ Death Zone: 8,000 metres (human cannot acclimatize)

Duration of altitude training

Normally, duration of altitude training depends on the height of altitude, training methods, purposes etc.. However, there is some guide to follow. The higher the altitude, the lesser the time needed for altitude training. Based on many findings, for an altitude of 2,500 m, the concentration of erythropoietin in blood will increase during the first day of altitude exposure and continue to rise up to 3rd weeks. It will then reaches the plateau state during the 4th week. Hence, 3-4 weeks could be the ideal duration at high altitude.

Method of Altitude Training.

1) Live High - Train High
The period of time to stay at altitude for this method might be shorter because athletes would get a chronic exposure to high altitude. However, many findings suggested that this method will lead to a 'detraining'.

2) Live Low - Train High
Very seldom used. An athlete would only expose to high altitude for a few hours during training. But again, training at altitude has the negative impact on the training qualities, especially fast and hard efforts.

3) Live High - Train Low
Most effective and commonly used. This method allows a maximum intensity of training and athletes would get enough exposure to high altitude (at least 8 hours). However, this method requires athletes to stay at high altitude for at least 8 hours a day for about 3 to 4 weeks.

Guidelines of altitude training

Swiss scientist, Manuel Bueno recommends the following guidelines for altitude training:

Phase 1: Recovery, 2-3 rest days at sea level prior to departure
Phase 2: Acclimatization, 3-6 days light training after arrival at altitude
Phase 3: Training with increasing loads (14 - 16 days). In the first phase purely aerobic endurance training, in the second phase a return to usual sea level training.
Phase 4: Recovery, the last 2 days at altitude

High load of workouts should be avoided during the first week after returning to sea level.The first important competition should be 2 to 3 weeks after the last day of altitude training.

International Sites for Altitude Training (just to name a few)

1) 2,700 metres - Toluca, Mexico
2) 2,644 metres - Bogota, Colombia
3) 2,561 metres - Cuenca, Ecuador
4) 2,400 metres - Iten, Kenya
5) 2,365 metres - Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
6) 2,300 metres - St. Cugat, Barcelona & Spain
7) 2,130 metres - Flagstaff, Arizona United States
8) 2,000 metres - New Mexico, United States
9) 2,050 metres - Sestriere, Italy
10) 1,950 metres - Kesenoi-Am, Russia
11) 1,900 metres - La Loma, San Luis Potosi, Mexico
12) 1,850 metres - Font Romeu odeillo, France
13) 1,800 metres - Kunming, China
14) 1,748 metres - Johannesburg, South Africa
15) 1,675 metres - Nairobi, Kenya
16) 1,600 metres - Secunda, South Africa
17) 1,550 metres - Davos, Switzerland
18) 1,400 metres - Pretoria, South Africa
19) 1,392 metres - Bloemfontein, South Africa
20) 1,360 metres - Thredbo Village, Australia

Potential sites for altitude training in Malaysia

Kundasang Ranau at Sabah located at 1600m (average) above sea level

1) 1,600 metres - Kundasang, Ranau, Sabah
2) 1,770 metres - Bundu Tuhan, Ranau, Sabah
3) 2,000 metres - Mesilau, Sabah
4) 1,500 metres - Cameron Highland (Kea Farm), Pahang

Recommended readings:  
High Altitude Medicine and Physiology 
High Altitude Illness & Wellness
Training Mask Elevation High Altitude Mask for Athletes 
East African Running: Toward a Cross-Disciplinary Perspective
Exercise Physiology: Energy, Nutrition, and Human Performance 

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13th IAAF World Championship in Athletics, Deagu South Korea 2011 - Entry Standards

The 13th World Championship in Athletics will be held at Deagu, South Korea from 27 August  to 04 September, 2010. Each member of IAAF is entitled to enter their qualified athletes only. Athletes must be achieve the entry standards during the qualification period from 01.10.2010 (01.01.2010 for the 10,000m, Marathon, Combined Events, Race Walks and Relays) to 15.08.2011. Entry standards are as follow:

Auto-Qualification:
1) Defending World Champions (from the 2009 World Championship)
2) Area Champions (E.g: Asian Champion, European Champion etc.)
3) At least one athlete per event for the host nation (South Korea)
4) One wild card (for each gender) will be given to nations who have no qualified athlete

Note:
1) A maximum of three athletes per nation with "A" standard will be allowed to participate.
2) A maximum of one athlete per nation with "B" standard + one or two athletes with "A" standard will be allowed to participate.

Read more about entry standard here

Recommended reading materials: 
Runner's World Training Journal
1983 World Championship in Athletics  
Athletics 2009: The International Track & Field Annual 
Runner's World Complete Book of Women's Running

Read more...

Harry Aikines Gym Workouts - Incredible Strength

Harry Aikines-Aryeetey reminds me about Ben Johnson's exceptional strength. He has the great qualities of strength, power and endurance that are uncommon in ordinary top sprinters.

Harry is the 2006 World Junior champion at the 100 metres, and the 2005 World Youth champion at 100m and 200m. He is part of Great Britain's 4x100 m relay team which won the bronze medal at the 2009 World Championship in Athletics.

To date, the Englishman has a personal best of 10.10s at the century dash. Alright, check out his videos, performing a maximum front squat, power clean at 170kg, 40 chin ups in 46 seconds and "extreme" muscle ups:

 
Harry performs a 1 rep max (190kg) front squat:

 
Fast and nice technique at 170kg Power Clean!

So you want to maintain a fast arm swing for 10-11 seconds?!  
40 times chin ups in 46 seconds 

  

And this is a great example of incredible upper bodystrength: 
it's require a proper technique and strength
(of course), or you can't even do one rep, try it!

Recommended readings:
Athletic Development: The Art & Science of Functional Sports Conditioning

Science and Practice of Strength Training, Second Edition 
Linford Christie - Olympic Champion 92, World Champion 93

If I'm So Smart, Why Can't I Lose Weight?: Tools to Get it Done

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Seven Reasons Why Fitness Centre or Gym Sucks

This is a quick list about the crap things during practice especially in the private fitness centre or gymnasium. I suppose, I would lists many more stories concerning this matter but in this post I will focus the 7 regular habit of trainers and trainees that you will see in the fitness centres.

The story is not intended to pointing out some people out there. However, the most important thing when you step foot into the fitness centre is to exercise effectively, comfortably and enjoy. Therefore, kindly "be informed" and get ready about the following things before joining a gym or fitness centre.

1) Guys show-off
I do believe that each fitness centers elsewhere in the world has an idiot guy. These guys thought that they’re the king of weight training and trying to be the hero and show-off about their broad shoulder in spite of having weak core strength.

2) Over Hypertrophy
I would get sick to see a person who bulk up or over exploited the upper body muscles like the ultimate warrior while having pin-sized legs like a puppy dog.

3) Free Training Tips
Two situations, whether he will ask you for a training tips or he will voluntarily to become your consultant like an expert!

4) One pack or Six Packs
Good thing is at least the one-pack guys who want to get a six-packs asking you strategy and tips about abs workouts. But then you cannot bear those guys anymore, they start to report you each day about daily improvement of the abs. After that, they will get you with the topic of supplement food and etc. etc..

5) Smell
Everyone knows "breathing is crucial" during lifting weights or running at treadmills. But when a smell guy come to practice around you, then you better go home. Do you ever thought it ruins the quality of workouts? Sorry but to be honest you cannot breathe properly.

6) Warm up
Unless he or she is a true athlete, you'll not see people in the fitness centres do the warm up properly. One story in the past, one guy sees me doing half squat 180kg, he walks right to the next squat cage and attempted the same weight with terrible technique, and without warm up. Of course he failed at all of his attempts, and immediately back home.

7) "I've already 6 months in the gym doing weights, but no improvement".
Well, what you have done in six months? Non-functional workouts, non-systematic planning, spending the whole time talking about 6 packs, too much time on dumbbells, everything nonsense!

UPDATE (October 2012)
8) Subscription or the Fees
Exercise maximizes the qualify of life (health).  You can do your workouts anywhere you want to.  In order to do exercise regularly you may need different environments so you won't get bored. Many fitness centres today have introduced a "contract" system.  They like to call it "commitment". Once you have registered as member, they will hold you as long as they can.  I don't say this system is very negative.  From a positive perspective, this system would get you engaged with exercise regularly. But please get a clear clarification from the centre on this. Please read and understand their terms. In this system your credit card will continue to pay them even though you don't go to the centre anymore.  And in fact, if you want to stop subscription you will need to pay to deactivate your account.

Read more...

Complete Videos of Latest Athletics World Records

This is a part four (Women's field events) of Track and Field World Record's Videos.

Click here for part 1 (Men's track events),
Click here for part 2 (Men's field events),
Click here for part 3 (Women's track events)





High Jump
2.09m STEFKA KOSTADINOVA (Bulgaria), 1987 Rome ITA


Pole Vault
5.06m YELENA ISINBAYEVA (Russia), 2009 Zurich GER



Long Jump
7.52m GALINA CHISTYAKOVA (USSR), 1988 Leningrad USSR


Triple Jump
15.50m INESSA KRAVETS (Ukraine) 1995 Goteborg SWE


Shot Put
22.63m NATALYA LISOVSKAYA (USSR), 1987 Moscow USSR
will be embedded once it become available

Discus Throw
76.80m GABRIELA REINSCH (East Germany), 1988 Neubrandenburg GDR
will be embedded when it becomes available

Hammer Throw
78.30m ANITA WLODARCZYK (Poland), 2010 Bydgoszcz POL


Javelin Throw
72.28m BARBORA SPOTAKOVA (Czech Republic), 2008 Stuttgart GER


Heptathlon
7,291p JACKIE JOYNER-KERSEE (United States), 1988 Seoul KOR

Read more...

2011 Track and Field World Records

This is a part three (women's track events) of the Track and Field World Records' Videos. Click here for part 1 (men's track events), Click here for part 2 (men's field events)

100 Metres
10.49s FLORENCE GRIFFITH-JOYNER (United States), Indianapolis USA 1988


200 Metres
21.34s FLORENCE GRIFFITH-JOYNER (United States), Seoul KOR 1988


400 Metres
47.60s MARITA KOCH (East Germany) Milan ITA 1982


800 Metres
1:53.28s JARMILA KRATOCHVILOVA (East Germany) Munich GER 1983
-to be embedded once it become available

1500 Metres
3:50.46s Yunxia Qu (China), Beijing CHN 1993


5000 Metres
14:11.15 TIRUNESH DIBABA (Ethiopia,)Oslo NOR 2008
-to be embedded once it become available

10,000 Metres
29:31.78s WANG JUNXIA (China), Beijing CHN 1993


Marathon
2:15.25s PAULA RADCLIFFE (Great Britain, London ENG 2003


100 Metres Hurdles
12.21s YORDANKA DONKOVA (Bulgaria), Stara Zagora BUL 1986
-to be embedded once it become available

400 Metres Hurdles
52.34s YULIYA PECHONKINA (Russia), Tula RUS 2003
-to be embedded once it become available

3000 Metres Steeplechase
8:58.81s GULNARA SAMITOVA-GALKINA (Russia), Beijing CHN 2008


4x400 Metres Relay
3:15.17s USSR, Seoul KOR 1988
(Tatyana Ledovskaya, Olga Nazarova, Maria Pinigina, Olga Bryzgina)

Read more...

Latest Videos of Track and Field World Records (P2)

Video collection of the latest Track and Field World Records. Men's field events + decathlon (Part 2). Click here for part 1 (men's track events)

High Jump
2.45m JAVIER SOTOMAYOR (Cuba), Salamanca ESP 1993

Pole Vault

SERGEY BUBKA (Ukraine)
6.14m Sestriere ITA 1994
6.15m (i) Donetsk UKR 1993

Long Jump
8.95m MIKE POWELL (United States), Tokyo JPN 1991

Triple Jump
18.29m JONATHAN EDWARDS (Great Britain) , Gotenburg SWE 1995

Shot Put
23.12m RANDY BARNES (United States), California USA 1990

Discus Throw
74.08m JURGEN SCHULT (East Germany), Neubrandenburg GER 1986

Hammer Throw
86.74m YURIY SYEDIKH (USSR) ...2nd best performance

Javelin Throw
98.48m JAN ZELEZNY (Czech Republic), Jena GER 1996

Decathlon
9,026p ROMAN SEBRLE (Czech Republic), Gotzis AUT 2003

Read more...

Latest Track and Field World Records (Video Part 1)

Part 1 (men's track events) of video collection for each Track and Field World records.

100 Metres
9.58s USAIN BOLT (Jamaica), Berlin GER 2009


200 Metres
19.19s USAIN BOLT (Jamaica), Berlin GER 2009


400 Metres
43.18s MICHAEL JOHNSON (United States of America), Seville ESP 1999


800 Metres
1:41.01s DAVID RUSIDHA (Kenya), Rieti ITA 2010


1500 Metres
3:26.00S HICHAM EL GUERROUJ (Morocco), Rome ITA 1998


5,000 Metres
12:37.35s KENENISA BEKELE (Ethiopia), Hengelo NED 2004
-Video will be uploaded once it become available

10,000 Metres
26:17.53s KENENISA BEKELE (Ethiopia), Brussels BEL 2005


Marathon
2:03:59s HAILE GEBRSELASSIE (Ethiopia)


110 Metres Hurdles
12.87s DAYRON ROBLES (Cuba), Ostrava 2008


400 Meter Hurdles
46.78s KEVIN YOUNG (United States of America), Barcelona ESP 1992


3,000 Metres Steeplechase
7:53.63s SAIF SAAEED SHAHEEN (Qatar), Brussels BEL 2004
-Video will be uploaded once it become available

4 x 100 Metres Relay
37.10s JAMAICA (Nesta Carter, Michael Frater, Usain Bolt, Asafa Powell), Beijing CHN 2008


4X400 Metres Relay
2:54.20s UNITED STATES (Andrew Valmon, Quincy Watts, Butch Reynolds, Michael Johnson), Stuttgart GER 1993

Read more...

UPM Athletics Championship 2011

The UPM (University Putra Malaysia) athletics championship ended on Sunday after being held for three days at the UPM Stadium, Serdang. However, the competition was held too early in a season, obviously non beneficial to athletes who are going through the preparation phase at the moment.

Following are some major results from the competition:

MEN EVENTS

Triple Jump Final (14/1): 1, Firdaus Salim, 14.87m. 2, Syahrul Faiz, 14.35m. 3, Ammar Fitri Zainul, 14.03m.

High Jump Final (14/1): 1, Najwan Aqra, 1.93m.

400m Final (15/1): 1, Yunus Lasaleh, 50.3s.

Long Jump (15/1): 1, Syahrul Faiz, 7.01m.

5000m Final (16/01): 1, Jironi Riduan, 15:57.7s

Pole Vault Final: 1, Rafiuddin, 3.70m.

WOMEN EVENT

800m Final (14/01): 1, K. Gantimanthi, 2:28.6s.

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Gatorade Bolt Race: Lachie Turner Became the Fastest Footballer in Australia

Forget about your instincts on Cristiano Ronaldo’s 100 metres time. He has never done or tested on the neither time trial nor real race of the 100 metres.

At least the renowned rugby player, Jonah Lomu of New Zealand has run the 100 metres and recorded 10.8s but it was achieved during the high school time. But I definitely doubt about the accuracy of the time as it raised questions like “was it an official time from an official 100 m race?...”

Since myself an athletics statistician, I would put this kind of unofficial timing just outside of my “annual performance lists,” and not even under the “doubtful timing” section. Because in the statistics, the precise measure of performances are the fundamental criteria to ratified the records.

However, the “Gatorade Bolt Race” that was held on the 15th September, 2010 at Sydney Olympic Park in Australia was excellent. They have chosen the eight identified-fastest footballers from Soccer, Australian Rugby Union (ARU), National Rugby League (NRL) and Australian Football League (AFL) in Australia to compete in the 100 metres sprint.

The race was conducted on the synthetic running track by equipped with the auto-timing system (fully electronic time), used the standard starting blocks and all the players worn the sprint spike shoes and running vests. Unfortunately, i didn't see any wind gauge instrument at the 50m mark from the video?

Usain Bolt with Lachie Turner after the 100m race

Lachlan 'Lachie' David Turner emerged as the Australia’s fastest footballer and bagged AUD 20,000 prize money home. Turner, the winger of the NSW Waratahs (and Eastwood Rugby Club) clocked a time of 11.10s, and perhaps became the fastest footballer in the world!? Why not, I haven't seen any other faster race to test the 100m times among the football players like this?

There is no official analysis about the race, but as you can see, Turner has a better top end speed and he covered the whole distance in 48 strides, the same number of strides with Tim Montgomery when he broke the 100 metres’ World record (9.78s) in 2002.

Second place went to Turner’s teammate John Grant in 11.15s, while Jarryd Hayne of Parramatta Eels third in 11.20s. Without proper practice on the blocks and accelerations, those times are respectable especially the times should be on the top 40 fastest in the “2010 Malaysia’s Top Performers" for 100 metres.

Following are the full results and video.

1, Lachie Turner, 11.10s
2, John Grant, 11.15s
3, Jarryd Hayne, 11.20s
4, Josh Morris, 11.44s
5, Ben Barba, 11.45s
6, Nathan Gardner, 11.77s
7, Matthew Lewis, 11.99s
8, Greg Inglis, 12.48s





Video courtesy of TeamDump (linked from youtube.com)

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Malaysia's Athletics Calendar 2011 / Kalender Olahraga Malaysia 2011

JANUARY	COMPETITIONS	VENUE
22	POA Perak Under Distance	Ipoh
23	FTAAA Cross Country	Tasik Perdana
FEBRUARY
02	Ironman International Triathlon	Langkawi
12	2nd USM Open Relay 2011	USM, Penang
17	MSS Negeri Sembilan Cross Country	Seremban
19	MSS Kelantan Cross Country	TBD
19	Putrajaya Hari Wilayah Run	Putrajaya
20	Anti-Corruption Run	Dataran merdeka
26	MISC Walkaton	TBD
MARCH
06	Penang Cross Country	T. Kumbar
06	KL Towerton	Menara KL
06	ARW/FTAAA Walk Championship	Cheras Stadium
12	Kelantan AAA Track Meet	TBD
13	Bareno Half Marathon	National Stadium
13	20KM ASIAN RACE WALKING CHAMPS	Nomi City, JAP
20	39th IAAF WORLD CROSS COUNTRY	Punta Umbria, ESP
20	World Kidnet Day Run	Dataran Merdeka
26	FTAAA Jump Events	MSN Bukit Jalil
26-27	Perak AAA Walk Events	Taiping
27	Malay Mail Big Walk	Dataran Merdeka
APRIL
02	1st Kota Bahru Road Relays Carnival	Kota Bahru
03	Kerian AAA Open Meet	Bagan Serai
03	FTAAA All Comers	MSN Bukit Jalil
08-11	MSS Perak	Tg Malim
09	FTAAA Sprints Events	Cheras Stadium
09	KOAM Technical Exam (1st Exam)	All Centres
15-17	AUSTRALIAN CHAMPIONSHIP IN ATHLETICS	Melbourne, AUS
16-17	Negeri Sembilan AAA Mixed Events	Seremban
17	Perak AAA / NAVY Meet	Tg Malim
22-25	THAILAND OPEN TRACK & FIELD	Rangsit, THA
23	MAAU Grand Prix I	Kuala Lumpur
23-24	Selangor AAA Junior Champs	MSN Bukit Jalil
26-28	MSS Kelantan	Kota Bahru
26-29	MSS Negeri Sembilan	Seremban
29	South Kedah AAA Meet	Kulim
31-01 May	Perak AAA Junior & Open Meet	Ipoh
MAY
06	Central Kedah AAA Meet	Sg Petani
06	North Kedah AAA Meet	Alor Star
07	FTAAA Throws	MSN Bukit Jalil
07-08	Pahang AAA Open Athletics Meet	Kuantan
08	Coca Cola Run	Dataran Merdeka
12	IAAF WORLD CHALLENGE MEETING	Daegu, KOR
13-14	Kedah AAA Open Athletics Meet	Alor Star
15	IAAF SAMSUNG DIAMOND LEAGUE	Shanghai, CHN
15	FTAAA/Milo 1st Talent Identification	Cheras Stadium
20-22	PHILIPPINES NATIONAL OPEN TRACK & FIELD	Manila, PHI
20-24	MSSM (Malaysian Schools Athletics Championship)	Ipoh
22	Ekiden Relay	Putrajaya
22	ASIAN GRAND PRIX I	Jiaxing, CHN
26	ASIAN GRAND PRIX II	Kunshan, CHN
29	ASIAN GRAND PRIX III	Wujiang, CHN
JUNE
05	ARW/FTAAA Walk Championship	Cheras Stadium
18	FTAAA Middle Long Distance Events	Cheras Stadium
19	Ipoh Starwalk	Ipoh
22-24	Armed Force Athletics Championship
24-28	ASIAN SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP	JAPAN
26	Standard Chartered KL Marathon	Dataran Merdeka
TBC	Malaysian Universities Athletics Championship	TBC
JULY
02	Kelantan AAA Field Events	Kota Bahru
02-03	72nd Selangor AAA Open Athletics Championship	MSN Bukit Jalil
03	Penang Hill Climb	Youth Park
03	Ipoh International Run	Ipoh
03	FTAAA/Milo 2nd Talent Identification	Cheras Stadium
07	Penang Open & U17 Athletics Championship	City Stadium
07-08	Negeri Sembilan AAA Open Athletics Championship	Seremban
07-10	19TH ASIAN CHAMPIONSHIP IN ATHLETICS	Kobe, JAP
09	Perak AAA Quadrangular Meet	TBC
09-10	FTAAA State Championship	MSN Bukit Jalil
10	Siemens Run	Dataran Merdeka
10	Seremban Half Marathon	Seremban
16-17	MAAU CLOSED ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIP	TBC
17	Olympic Day Run	Dataran merdeka
17	13TH ASIAN MARATHON CHAMPIONSHIP	Pattaya, THA
24	FTAAA 12 hrs Run Circuit	Putrajaya
30	Shape Run	Putrajaya
AUGUST
12-24	WORLD UNIVERSITY GAMES (UNIVERSIADE)	Shenzhen, CHN
20	Kelantan AAA Walk Event	Kota Bahru
20-21	SINGAPORE OPEN ATHLETICS MEET	Singapore
27-04.09	WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP IN ATHLETICS	Daegu, KOR
SEPTEMBER
03	MAAU GRAND PRIX II	Kuala Lumpur
07-11	COMMONWEALTH YOUTH GAMES	Isle of Man
11	FTAAA/Milo 3rd Talent Identification	Cheras Stadium
11	Starwalk	Penang I.S.A
24	KOAM Technical Exam (2nd Exam)	All Centres
24-25	MALAYSIA OPEN ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIP
OCTOBER
02	Tanjung 10KM Run	Sepoy Lines
10	City Run	Komtar
15-16	Perak AAA All Comers	Ipoh
29-30	Genting Trailbrazer	Genting
NOVEMBER
11-20	SEA GAMES	Palembang, INA
14	Powerman	TBD
DECEMBER
18	Penang Round The Island	Esplande

Recommended reading material :















> Malaysia Athletics Calendar 2011 / Kalender Olahraga Malaysia 2011:UPDATED VERSION Click Here

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2nd USM Open Relay 2011: Events, Prizes Money, Entry Form

RM 19,000.00 to be won in this athletics meet and you might think it will be a long distance (road) event as the total prize money seems "illogical" for track and field in Malaysia.

But yes, it is a track event that offers the highest prizes money in the history of Malaysian athletics.

The 2011 USM Open Relays is an annual "Relays Gala" that will be held at the USM (University Science Malaysia) stadium in Penang, all-day (8.00am - 10.00pm) on the February 12, 2011.

There will be seven categories offered in the meet that restricted the entries to the local athletes only.

Events, prizes money and entry fees are as follow:

1) CHILDREN (12y and below):
> Events: 4x50m and 2x100m.
> Prizes: 1st RM 100, 2nd RM 80, 3rd RM 60.
> Entry: RM 15.

2) JUNIOR (19y and below):
> Events: 4x200m, 4x800m, 4x100m mixed, Medley 200m-200m-400m-800m.
> Prizes money: 1st RM 150, 2nd RM 130, 3rd RM 110
> Entry: RM 40

3) INSTITUTION OF HIGHER LEARNING (IPT):
> Events: 4x200m, 4x800m, 4x100m mixed, Medley 200m-200m-400m-800m.
> Prizes money: 1st RM 180, 2nd RM 150, 3rd RM 120
> Entry: RM 50

4) OPEN:
> Events: 4x200m, 4x800m, 4x1600m, 4x100m mixed, Medley 200m-200m-400m-800m.
> Prizes money: 1st 320, 2nd RM 250, 3rd 180
> Entry: RM 70

5) JUNIOR VETERAN (39-49y):
> Events: 4x800m, Medley 200m-200m-400m-800m.
> Prizes money: 1st RM 220, 2nd RM 170, 3rd 150
> Entry: RM 60

6) SENIOR VETERAN (50y and above):
> Events: 4x800m, Medley 200m-200m-400m-800m.
> Prizes money: 1st RM 220, 2nd RM 170, 3rd RM 150
> Entry: RM 60

7) INTERDESA (Restricted to USM student):
> Events: 4x100m Mixed, Medley 200m-200m-400m-800m.
> Prizes money: 1st RM 120, 2nd 110, 3rd RM 100
> Entry: RM 20

Download the entry form here: Malay version, English version

Information and photo courtesy of official website USM Open Relays 2011

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Usain Bolt Unveils His Secret on MY STORY

I've written about some interesting facts about Usain Bolt but here is the real story about Usain Bolt being the fastest man on the planet.

In the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Bolt shaken the full-capacity bird's nest stadium by smashing three world records, in the 100m (9.69s), 200m (19.30s) and 4x100m (37.10s).

And, it was said to be almost impossible to run below the 9.60 in the 100m, but Bolt lowered again his incredible 9.69s to an unbelievable 9.58s during the 2009 IAAF World Championship in Athletics in Berlin. A few days later, Bolt destroyed his own 200 metres' world record 19.30s to an amazing 19.19s....

> get one MY STORY to continue reading ...

And then the conclusion is this man is the greatest sprinter of all-time or the King of Sprint for real!. Click on the photo or here to make an order.

Recommended stuff of Usain Bolt:

.... .... ....

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Top 10 Track and Field Stories in 2010

Happy New Year 2011 to everyone. I would like to thank to all the readers of AdrianSprints.com, which has been steadly increasing and contributed about 60,000 hits throughout the 2010. I wish you all the very best in your commitments and dreams in 2011.

This year will be interesting as the IAAF World Championship in athletics will continue to crown the world champion titles to athletes during its 12th edition. This Championship will be held in Deagu, South Korea from August 27 - September 04. Apart from that, we also have the biggest multi-sports event this year, the World University Games (Universiade) that is scheduled on August 12 -23 in Shenzhen, China.

In Asia level, Asian Championship in Athletics (ATF) is scheduled on July 07-10 in Kobe, Japan. But before that, Indonesia will be the host for the bi-annual Southeast Asian Games, SEA Games in Jakarta.

For Malaysian athletes, the best chance to beat the qualification marks for all above meets will be during the Malaysian Games (SUKMA) on June which is now upgraded as a senior games, thus became the biggest multi-sports event at the country.

With the continued support from you, we'll continue our effort in bringing the maximum coverage for these events and of course to provide much more useful information and news in 2011. Stay tuned with AdrianSprints.com. All your support is greatly appreciated

Following are the top 10 track and field stories during the 2010:

1) Top 10 Most Impressive Performances in Athletics for 2010, Top Asian Athlete and Top New Comer

2) 15th AUG Chiang Mai 2010 - 100m & 400m Videos, Athletics Results Day 1 ( Part 1)

3) How Fast Can Cristiano Ronaldo Run in the 100m?

4) Carl Lewis (Tom Tellez) Training & Race Approach: Microcycle, Weight Training, Core Stabilization, and Race Strategy (Part 2)

5) Interesting facts about Usain Bolt

6) 87th Malaysia Open Track and Field Championship 2010, Results Day 1 (Part 4)

7) Energy System In Track and Field

8) 14th Asian Junior Athletics Championship 2010

9) 15th AUG Chiang Mai 2010 - 100m & 400m Videos, Athletics Results Day 1 ( Part 1)

10) 400Meters: Indonesia VS Malaysia VS Philippines VS Thailand (All-Time Top Performers)

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Usain Bolt ‘Elected’ as the Greatest Male Sprinter of All-Time

Distribution of votes to pick 'the greatest sprinter of all-time'

Usain Bolt is ‘officially’ the greatest sprinter of all-time based on a one year survey of public opinion poll from January 01 - December 31, 2010 to pick the greatest sprinter in the history at a sport’s website, AdrianSprints.com which has its readers from more than 100 countries.

Usain Bolt outclassed seven others sprinters likes Asafa Powell, Ben Johnson, Bob Hayes, Carl Lewis, Jesse Owens, Maurice Greene, and Michael Johnson with an unanimous decision of 60% votes.

For the record, Bolt breaks 7 world records in the sprint events within 2 years, 2008-2009 and holds the current world records in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m. He became the first human to run below 9.70s and 9.60s in the 100m. He also won 6 gold medals at the Olympics and World Championships.

The winner of 17 gold medals at the Olympics and World Championships, Carl Lewis gets second-highest votes with 12.3%. Behind Lewis was a former world’s 100m record holder Asafa Powell in 7.4% votes. Powell has the most sub 10s 100 metres of all time with 65.

The most successful long sprints (200-400m) athlete ever, Michael Johnson gets 5.2% votes, the 4th highest. Johnson holds the world records in 400m and 4x400m and has the world best mark in 300m.

Meanwhile, this poll also gave the chance to the readers to pick their own athletes. Therefore, ‘others athletes’ crept into 5th place by a 4.5% votes. I guess that it must be the votes whether for Tommie Smith or Jim Hines or Linford Christie or Tyson Gay.

Jesse Owens who won 4 gold medals at the 1936 Olympics gets 3.5% votes. Merely behind Owens was Maurice Greene, who holds the current 60m world record. Greene had become the three-time world champion at 100m, and also has run 53 times sub 10s. He got 3.2% votes.

Ben Johnson, the man who shaken the world by his incredible 9.79s in the century dash back in 1988 Olympics, however ended up with 2.3% votes, and that's really underrated!

Finally, ‘bullet’ Bob Hayes, the 1964 Olympic champion who became the first man to break under 10s in any conditions, has got the lowest rating with 1.6% votes.

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