2 February in history

KarlW 4 months ago

February 2, in Christchurch, is a very special day in New Zealand middle-distance running history. Two of the greatest races ever run in New Zealand happened on February 2 1962 and February 2 1974.

Fifty years ago, on 2 February 1962, Peter Snell set an incredible world record. Snell was racing in Christchurch, a week after he had set a new mile world record in Wanganui. Snell ran 1:44.3 – a time that still stands, 50 years later, as the New Zealand and Oceania records. The race set off at a phenomenal pace – John Robinson took them through the first 440 yards in 51 seconds, before leaving Snell to do the rest on his own.

This fine clip shows part of the race, and a great interview afterward (“I was had it by the time I’d reached the back straight”). That clip is part of a longer piece that the National Film Unit made in 1964, which is a great short film of Snell (the race in LA later in the clip is beautiful).

Snell’s time beat Roger Moens’ time of 1:45.7, set 7 years earlier in 1955. It would stand for 11 years – while it was equalled twice by Ralph Doubell and Dave Wottle, it wasn’t beaten until 1973 by Marcello Fiasconara.

There are a number of incredible things about Snell’s record. One of the most amazing for me is that it was set on grass, and it’s a time that would still win major medals today.

Twelve years later saw another absolutely incredible race, again in Christchurch. The 1500m Commonwealth Games final is still regarded as one of the greatest 1500m races of all time. I have always read that championship races are different to others – they’re tactical, they’re not where records are set. This one is very different. Filbert Bayi led from the start, setting a stunning pace.

Bayi and John Walker both went under the old world record (the great Jim Ryun’s 3:33.1, set in 1967). The record would stand for five years before Seb Coe would break it.

This clip shows the race from 800m in. As someone who was one at the time, I’d never seen it before. Thanks to the Internet I now can and it’s amazing to watch.

The chasing bunch look at first like he must tire soon, like he’ll come back and they’ll chew him up and spit him out. At the bell you can see everyone realise that he won’t come back, that they have to take it to him. The desperation on their faces at 200m is so clear. Walker's finish is brilliant but not good enough.

February 2 next year is a Saturday – can someone please organise another meet in Christchurch and can someone please go faster than 1:44.3!