Can Usain Bolt step up to the 400m?

Triple Olympic sprint champion Usain Bolt may have shattered world records at 100m, 200m and the 4x100m relay in Beijing but some believe he has similar potential in the 400m. The 22-year-old Jamaican started life as a 200m/400m runner and clocked 45.35 as a 16-year-old - 0.04 quicker than the man that finished eighth in the 2008 Olympic 400m final in Beijing.

spikesmag.com asks four men steeped in the quarter-mile what they think Bolt, who has a PB of 45.28 in the 400m, could now achieve over the one-lap distance.

Clyde Hart
The man who guided Michael Johnson to the world 400m record and current coach to Olympic 400m bronze medalist Sanya Richards.

“First you need to recognise there is more to running the 400m than physical ability because in the past there has been some very fast people that have tried the 400m and didn't run very spectacular times. The main reason [for that] is their commitment to the event and you have to factor that in.

"At the same time he [Bolt] has run 400m in the past and that is a plus. The fact of the matter is that because hasn't run any faster in the past [than 45.2] indicates that he's never really been dedicated to doing the work necessary to run a fast 400m. And to me that's a major factor.

"When we talk about potential I always use a formula. You double a person's 200m best and add 3.5 [seconds] and that should give you what you are able to run the 400m in if they have the work ethic, motivation and all the conditioning you need with it.  With this formula you could readily see that he would be running in the 42s.

"The same thing was true with Michael [Johnson], although he had [a 400m best and world record] of 43.18. I still think his [Johnson’s] potential was down in the 42s. He would probably have done this had he ran the pace he was running but he didn't attempt to go for the world record until he was well on into his career.

"But, yes, I think if he [Bolt] had the right programme, did everything you have to do to be successful and with his speed he could run under 43 seconds but whether he could ever do that is a whole different ball game."

Roger Black
The 1996 Olympic 400m silver medalist and two-time European 400m champion

“I don't think you can set limitations. If he focused on it [the 400m] taking his 19.3 speed into it and he got a bit more strength he could clearly run under 44. Clearly, of course, if he focused on it, he would be capable of running a world record, he must be.

"You could say that his physique would be suited more to the 400m but he has said he interviews he doesn't want to work for the 400m, and why should he? Why bother?

"The thing about the 400m is it’s not just about speed but speed endurance. He's definitely got the speed but he needs to work on the endurance. I guess anything is possible although I can't imagine he could be bothered to train for it. It's not the most enjoyable event to train for. I'd say take the easy route and do 100s and 200s.”

Mark Richardson
The 1996 Olympic 4x400m silver medalist and 1998 European bronze medalist

“It's difficult to say what time he could run but he has a perfect physique with that long raking stride and with his great speed he could be said to be a potent proposition [over the 400m].

"In terms of what time, I couldn't say, but having seen what he can do in the 100m and 200m I'm sure he can shoot for the stars. I don't know to what extent he would apply himself but I can only go on what I can see.

"But the 400m is not just about speed, but also speed endurance. He has already proved an exciting talent - the next thing he has got to do is prove his longevity in the sport.”

Martyn Rooney
Great Britain’s 2008 Olympic 400m finalist

“Obviously, he is an amazing athlete to have run as quick as he has and he has great confidence. He has run 19.3 [for the 200m] but I can’t put a time on what he can do for the 400m. I know he could run quickly (over 400m) and I feel he could probably run 43 seconds with the right training. For him to run quicker than that, I don’t know? That is just down to how willing he is to do the hard training. In the past he always said he didn’t enjoy the 400m and he was always scared of training. “