400 metres

400 m is a common track running event. It is the longest common sprint distance. On a standard outdoor running track, it is exactly one lap around the track. Runners start in staggered positions and race in separate lanes for the entire course. In the United States, athletes previously competed in the 440-yard dash (402.336 m) instead of the 400 m, though this distance is now obsolete.

The current men's world record is held by Michael Johnson, with a time of 43.18 seconds. The world indoor record holder is Kerron Clement, in 44.57 seconds. The current women's world record is held by Marita Koch, with a time of 47.60 seconds (set before the advent of out-of-competition testing). The reigning Olympic champions are LaShawn Merritt and Christine Ohuruogu. The Paralympic world record of 46.56 seconds is held by Oscar Pistorius. [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/olympics/athletics/7141302.stm BBC] ]

Famous 400 m runners

Top all-time athletes - men

(Updated 3 October 2008.)

Top all-time athletes - women

(Updated 3 October 2008.)

Other well-known athletes

* Roger Black
* Alberto Juantorena
* Eric Liddell
* Archie Williams
* Irena Szewinska
* Christine Ohuruogu
* Eric Milazar

ee also

*World record progression 400 metres men

References

External links

* [http://www.iaaf.org/ International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF)] – official site
* [http://www.athletix.org/statistics/stats.html World Record progression in athletics]
* [http://www.world-masters-athletics.org/ World Masters Athletics] - official site
* [http://www.mastersathletics.net Masters T&F World Rankings]
* [http://www.alltime-athletics.com Athletics all-time performances]