Men's American Records - Track

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The Best of the Best in US Track and Field

There are a few places you can go to see a list of American Record holders. There are a few places you can go to see the top 10 lists as well. But I wanted to find a place with photos, summaries, progressions, and more. Since I couldn't find it, I decided to create it. So here it is, the complete lens of men's American Record holders.

I'll try to keep this lens up-to-date, but if you notice anything missing, please feel free to leave a comment below and I'll update it asap.

Athletes in bold are still active. This lens is up-to-date as of August 30, 2009.

Breaking News!

Meb Keflezighi broke the 20k American Record at the San Jose Rock 'n Roll Half Marathon, running 57:52 en route to break Ryan Hall's previous record of 57:54.

But...Dathan Ritzenhein was reported to split 56:48 for 20k at the World Half Marathon Championships...no word yet whether it will be ratified!

Which do you think are the most/least impressive? 

Tell us which one you think is the best...or the worst...or both

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The most impressive AR is...

buraian says:

After watching what Usain Bolt did to the 200 meter record, I have to go with Kevin Young's 46.78. Nobody's come remotely close to that one.

Posted August 30, 2009

The least impressive AR is...

buraian says:

I really think it's the 10000m. It's overdue that someone breaks it, and there are a few athletes who could do it very soon.

Posted August 30, 2009

 

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Every AR, just a click away

Five Fun Facts about these American Records 

  • Two of the ARs on this list are still-standing World Records. Both are at the 400 meter distance: Michael Johnson's 43.18 for 400m, and Kevin Young's 46.78 for the 400m hurdles.
  • Michael Johnson's 400 meter record (43.18) is almost a full second faster than the fastest non-American (Gary Kikaya - 44.10). The top 69 performances all-time have been run by Americans, and the top 10 performers ever were all from the US!
  • The 10th fastest performer in the 400 hurdles (Derrick Adkins - 47.54) is the 46th fastest time ever recorded in the event! Of the top 50 performances ever run, Americans have run 38 of them!
  • Three of the AR holders on this list were born in different countries, but became American citizens. They are Bernard Lagat (1500m), Meb Keflezighi (10000m) and Khalid Khannouchi (Marathon).
  • Statistically, the strongest AR is the 200m, and the weakest is the 10000m. Check out all the rankings based on the IAAF Scoring Tables below!

100m: Tyson Gay - 9.69 

Tyson Gay set his first AR of the year in Berlin, finishing second to Usain Bolt in 9.71 seconds. It was the 3rd fastest time ever run, behind two races by Bolt. Later that year, Gay went to Shanghai and matched Bolt's 2nd fastest time ever, clocking 9.69 (+2.0m/s) to break the 9.7 barrier despite a slow start.

100m All-time Top Ten

1. 9.69 - Tyson Gay - Shanghai (2009)
2. 9.79 - Maurice Greene - Athens (1999)
3. 9.85 - Leroy Burrell - Lausanne (1994)
3. 9.85 - Justin Gatlin - Athens (2004)
5. 9.86 - Carl Lewis - Tokyo (1991)
6. 9.88 - Shawn Crawford - Eugene (2004)
7. 9.89 - Travis Padgett - Eugene (2008)
7. 9.89 - Darvis Patton - Eugene (2008)
9. 9.91 - Dennis Mitchell - Milan (1996)
9. 9.91 - Leonard Scott - Stuttgart (2006)
9. 9.91 - Walter Dix - Beijing (2008)

- - - > Video: Tyson Gay sets 100m AR in Shanghai 

Imagine if he got out to a great start!

Swedish commentary added for its soothing effect... =)
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110m Hurdles: Dominique Arnold - 12.90 

Arnold preceded Tyson Gay in Berlin when he set his AR 12.90 in the 110 hurdles in a second place effort. Liu Xiang of China beat him in that race, and set the then world record of 12.88 seconds. Amazingly, Arnold did not have a good start, and was easily the fastest runner in the race in the last 50 meters, but it wasn't enough. His time is still the 4th fastest ever.

110m Hurdles All-time Top Ten

1. 12.90 - Dominique Arnold - Lausanne (2006)
2. 12.92 - Roger Kingdom - Zurich (1989)
2. 12.92 - Allen Johnson - Atlanta (1996)
4. 12.93 - Renaldo Nehemiah - Zurich (1981)
5. 12.94 - Jack Pierce - Atlanta (1996)
6. 12.95 - Terrence Trammell - New York City (2007)
6. 12.95 - David Oliver - Ad-Dawhah (2008)
8. 12.98 - Mark Crear - Zabreb (1999)
9. 13.01 - Larry Wade - Lausanne (1999)
10. 13.02 - Ryan Wilson - New York City (2007)
10. 13.02 - David Payne - Osaka (2007)

- - - > Video: Dominique Arnold breaks the AR in Lausanne 

Too bad Liu Xiang broke the WR in Lausanne

The video is in Spanish, but the quality of the feed is amazing.
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200m: Michael Johnson - 19.32 

Michael Johnson is the greatest long sprinter the US has ever produced. In Atlanta, he won the 200m and 400m, but he will always be remembered most for his 200m victory. His time of 19.32 was a world record by .34 seconds. It is still the 3rd fastest performance ever at 200m, bettered only by Usain Bolt.

200m All-time Top Ten

1. 19.32 - Michael Johnson - Atlanta (1996)
2. 19.58 - Tyson Gay - New York City (2009)
3. 19.63 - Xavier Carter - Lausanne (2006)
4. 19.65 - Wallace Spearmon - Daegu (2006)
5. 19.69 - Walter Dix - Gainesville (2007)
6. 19.73 - Michael Marsh - Barcelona (1992)
7. 19.75 - Carl Lewis - Indianapolis (1983)
7. 19.75 - Joe DeLoach - Seoul (1988)
9. 19.83 - Tommie Smith - Mexico City (1968)
10. 19.85 - John Capel - Sacramento (2000)

- - - > Video: Michael Johnson runs away with the 200m in 19.32 

Only Usain Bolt's run in Beijing compares

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400m: Michael Johnson - 43.18 

In the late 1990s, it was only a matter of time before Michael Johnson broke the 400m record. He had gone under 44 seconds 17 times in his career, and already had the 200m WR from the Atlanta Olympics. The record finally came in Seville, and has stood for over 10 years.

400m All-time Top Ten

1. 43.18 WR - Michael Johnson - Seville (1999)
2. 43.29 - Butch Reynolds - Zurich (1988)
3. 43.45 - Jeremy Wariner - Osaka (2007)
4. 43.50 - Quincy Watts - Barcelona (1992)
5. 43.75 - LaShawn Merritt - Beijing (2008)
6. 43.81 - Danny Everett - New Orleans (1992)
7. 43.86 - Lee Evans - Mexico City (1968)
8. 43.87 - Steve Lewis - Seoul (1988)
9. 43.97 - Larry James - Mexico City (1968)
10. 44.05 - Angelo Taylor - Indianapolis (2007)

- - - > Video: Michael Johnson breaks the 400m WR in Seville 

His 57th straight 400m victory!

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400m Hurdles: Kevin Young - 46.78 

Kevin Young's performance at the Barcelona Olympics was nothing short of spectacular. He not only won the gold medal and broke Edwin Moses's world record, but he ran a personal best of nearly one full second to do it. He remains the only athlete to ever go under the 47 second barrier.

400m Hurdles All-time Top Ten

1. 46.78 WR - Kevin Young - Barcelona (1992)
2. 47.02 - Edwin Moses - Koblenz (1983)
3. 47.03 - Bryan Bronson - New Orleans (1998)
4. 47.19 - Andre Phillips - Seoul (1988)
5. 47.24 - Kerron Clement - Carson (2005)
6. 47.25 - Angelo Taylor - Beijing (2008)
7. 47.30 - Bershawn Jackson - Helsinki (2005)
8. 47.38 - Danny Harris - Lausanne (1991)
9. 47.43 - James Carter - Helsinki (2005)
10. 47.54 - Derrick Adkins - Lausanne (1995)

- - - > Video: Kevin Young becomes first (and only) sub-47 man 

And he doesn't even clear the last hurdle cleanly

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800m: Johnny Gray - 1:42.60 

Johnny Gray's American Record at 800m is the oldest track record on the books in the US. In his race in Koblenz, Gray finished 2nd, behind Joaquim Cruz. He is ranked 9th all-time, and his time is currently the 25th fastest performance ever.

800 Meters All-time Top Ten

1. 1:42.60 - Johnny Gray - Koblenz (1985)
2. 1:43.20 - Mark Everett - Linz (1997)
3. 1:43.35 - David Mack - Koblenz (1985)
4. 1:43.38 - Rich Kenah - Zurich (1997)
5. 1:43.5 - Rick Wohlhuter - Eugene (1974)
6. 1:43.62 - Earl Jones - Zurich (1986)
7. 1:43.68 - Khadevis Robinson - Rieti (2006)
8. 1:43.83 - Nick Symmonds - Eugene (2008)
9. 1:43.84 - Alan Webb - Heusden-Zolder (2007)
12. 1:43.92 - John Marshall - Los Angeles (1984)
12. 1:43.92 - James Robinson - Los Angeles (1984)
12. 1:43.92 - David Krummenacker - Brussels (2002)

Source: All-Time Athletics

- - - > Poll: How long before Gray's record goes down? 

It's the longest-standing record on the books

The 800 meters is a very difficult event, and Gray was one of the best ever...

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1500m: Bernard Lagat - 3:29.30 

Bernard Lagat is one of the greatest milers of all time. He ran the first part of his career representing Kenya, and became a US citizen in May, 2004. As a result, his personal best of 3:26.34 (the third fastest performance all-time, run in 2001) does not count in this list. In fact, his AR is just his 6th fastest performance ever at the distance.

1,500 Meters All-Time Top Ten

1. 3:29.30 - Bernard Lagat - Rieti (2005)
2. 3:29.77 - Sydney Maree - Koln (1985)
3. 3:30.54 - Alan Webb - Saint-Denis (2007)
4. 3:31.01 - Jim Spivey - Koblenz (1988)
5. 3:31.52 - Steve Holman - Brussels (1997)
6. 3:31.76 - Steve Scott - Nice (1985)
7. 3:31.93 - David Krummenacker - Stockholm (2002)
8. 3:32.94 - Lopez Lomong - Monaco (2009)
9. 3:33.1 - Jim Ryun - Los Angeles (1967)
10. 3:33.28 - Chris Lukezic - Rome (2006)

Source: All-Time Athletics

Mile: Alan Webb - 3:46.91 

1 mile

1. 3:46.91 - Alan Webb - Braaschaat (2007)
2. 3:47.69 - Steve Scott - Oslo (1982)
3. 3:48.38 - Bernard Lagat - Oslo (2005)
4. 3:48.83 - Sydney Maree - Rieti (1981)
5. 3:49.31 - Joe Falcon - Oslo (1990)
6. 3:49.80 - Jim Spivey - Oslo (1986)
7. 3:50.34 - Todd Harbour - Oslo (1981)
8. 3:50.40 - Steve Holman - Oslo (1997)
9. 3:50.84 - Tom Byers - Koblenz (1982)
10. 3:51.1 - Jim Ryun - Bakersfield (1967)

Source: All-Time Athletics

Alan Webb's Bio on Squidoo 

featured lens Alan Webb

Alan Webb has had a record-breaking career, and he is still just 26 years old. He holds the National High School indoor and outdoor mile records, the American mile record, and is the former holder of the two-mile record. He ranks among America's elit...

- - - > Video: Alan Webb breaks Steve Scott's 25 year-old mile AR 

Once again, Flotrack is there to capture a part of US distance running history.
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3000m: Bob Kennedy - 7:30.84 

Bob Kennedy is the greatest 3k-5k runner in US history. His top 5 fastest performances are all faster than the next closest time, put up in 2009 by Bernard Lagat. His personal best of 7:30.84 is the 81st fastest performance all-time at 3000 meters.

3,000 meters

1. 7:30.84 - Bob Kennedy - Monaco (1998)
2. 7:33.15 - Bernard Lagat - Paris (2009)
3. 7:33.37 - Sydney Maree - London (1982)
4. 7:34.96 - Adam Goucher - Monaco (2001)
5. 7:34.98 - Matt Tegenkamp - Monaco (2006)
6. 7:35.84 - Doug Padilla - Oslo (1983)
7. 7:36.69 - Steve Scott - Ingelheim (1981)
8. 7:36.90 - Chris Solinsky - Sheffield (2007)
9. 7:37.04 - Jim Spivey - Koln (1993)
10. 7:37.70 - Rudy Chapa - Eugene (1979)

Source: All-Time Athletics

3000m Steeplechase: Dan Lincoln - 8:08.82 

Dan Lincoln's AR performance in Rome took one of the longest standing ARs off the books. Due to injuries and his pursuit of his medical degree, Lincoln doesn't have the number of quality performances that others on this list have, but he was the dominant steepler of the mid-2000s.

3,000 Meters Steeplechase All-time Top Ten

1. 8:08.92 - Daniel Lincoln - Rome (2006)
2. 8:09.17 - Henry Marsh - Koblenz (1985)
3. 8:09.76 - Mark Croghan - Stuttgart (1993)
4. 8:13.16 - Brien Diemer - Koblenz (1984)
5. 8:14.26 - Marc Davis - Zurich (1993)
6. 8:14.69 - Dan Huling - Brussels (2009)
7. 8:14.82 - Tim Broe - Rome (2001)
8. 8:15.69 - Steve Slattery - Brussels (2007)
9. 8:15.77 - Pascal Dobert - Sacramento (2000)
10. 8:16.59 - Ivan Huff - Brussels (1986)

Source: All-Time Athletics

5000m: Dathan Ritzenhein - 12:56.27 

After a few years pursuing the marathon, Dathan Ritzenhein decided in 2009 to switch coaches and move back to the track. In only his third track race, he surprised everyone by taking 20 seconds off of his previous personal best to become only the fourth non-African to break the 13-minute barrier. The time is the 114th fastest of all-time.

5,000 meters

1. 12:56.27 - Dathan Ritzenhein - Zurich (2009)
2. 12:58.21 - Bob Kennedy - Zurich (1996)
3. 12:58.56 - Matt Tegenkamp - Brussels (2009)
4. 12:59.22 - Bernard Lagat - London (2006)
5. 13:01.15 - Sydney Maree - Oslo (1985)
6. 13:10.00 - Adam Goucher - Heusden-Zolder (2006)
7. 13:10.86 - Alan Webb - Berlin (2005)
8. 13:11.77 - Meb Keflezighi - Heusden-Zolder (2000)
8. 13:11.77 - Tim Broe - Oslo (2005)
10. 13:11.93 - Alberto Salazar - Stockholm (1982)
10. 13:11.93 - Anthony Famiglietti - Walnut (2007)

Source: All-Time Athletics

Dathan Ritzenhein's Bio on Squidoo 

featured lens Dathan Ritzenhein

Dathan Ritzenhein is the best cross country runner in the US. He is a two-time high school XC champion (99-00), an NCAA XC champion (03), and a two-time USATF XC champion (05, 08). He is also a two-time Olympian and holder of various national track r...

10000m: Meb Keflezighi - 27:13.98 

Though he is best known for winning the New York City Marathon and the silver medal in the Athens Olympic marathon, Meb Keflezighi was also the dominant 10,000 meter runner in the US in the early 2000s. He won the 10k at USAs three times ('00, '02, '04). On the night he set the record, he finished 4th in the race at Stanford University. His time is the 156th fastest performance ever.

Bonus fact: He is also the US 20k record holder, running 57:52 to break Ryan Hall's record by 2 seconds in San Jose in 2009.

10,000 Meters All-time Top Ten

1. 27:13.98 - Meb Keflezighi - Palo Alto (2001)
2. 27:16.99 - Abdi Abdirahman - Eugene (2008)
3. 27:20.56 - Mark Nenow - Brussels (1986)
4. 27:22.28 - Dathan Ritzenhein - Berlin (2009)
5. 27:25.61 - Alberto Salazar - Oslo (1982)
6. 27:29.16 - Craig Virgin - Paris (1980)
7. 27:31.34 - Todd Williams - Knoxville (1995)
8. 27:33.48 - Galen Rupp - Palo Alto (2007)
9. 27:33.93 - Alan Culpepper - Palo Alto (2001)
10. 27:34.72 - Alan Webb - Palo Alto (2006)

Source: All-Time Athletics

Meb Keflezighi's Bio on Squidoo 

featured lens Meb Keflezighi - 2009 NYC Marathon Champ!

Mebrahtom "Meb" Keflezighi is the American record holder over 10,000 meters (27:13.98) and a silver medalist in the Olympic marathon (Athens, '04). He is a four-time NCAA champion, a three-time U.S. 10k champ, a three-time U.S. cross co...

Half Marathon: Ryan Hall - 59:43 

When Ryan Hall won the USA Half Marathon Championship at the Aramco Houston Half Marathon in 2007, everyone knew he would be in contention. He had won a couple road races at the 10k distance, and he seemed suited to the roads. His AR time, however, was a big surprise, as it was the 24th fastest ever for the half marathon distance. The time still ranks 62nd on the all-time fastest performances list.

Half Marathon All-time Top Ten

1. 59:43 - Ryan Hall - Houston (2007)
2. 1:00:00 - Dathan Ritzenhein - Birmingham (2009)
3. 1:00:55 - Mark Curp - Philadelphia (1985)
4. 1:01:00 - Meb Keflezighi - San Jose (2009)
5. 1:01:07 - Abdi Abdirahman - Philadelphia (2006)
6. 1:01:17 - Khalid Khannouchi - Philadelphia (2000)
7. 1:01:30 - Keith Brantly - Philadelphia (1993)
8. 1:01:32 - Paul Cummings - Dayton (1983)
9. 1:01:43 - George Malley - Philadelphia (1982)
10. 1:01:47 - Herb Lindsay - Manchester (1981)
10. 1:01:47 - Bill Reifsnyder - Philadelphia (1985)

Source: All-Time Athletics, Malmo

Ryan Hall Bio on Squidoo 

featured lens Ryan Hall

Ryan has had success on the track, but he owns the roads. He is the American Record holder for the half-marathon (59:43), he ran the fastest debut marathon in US history (2:08:24), he won the US Olympic Marathon Trials and ran 2:06:17 in London! In B...

- - - > Video: Ryan Hall breaks the AR for half marathon 

Audio is apparently disabled...hopefully it can be fixed soon

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Marathon: Khalid Khannouchi - 2:05:38 

Khalid Khannouchi was born and raised in Morocco, and ran for his home country until he became a US citizen in May 2000. Running as a Moroccan, he set his first world record in 1999, clocking 2:05:42 in Chicago. Three years later he would break his own world record in London with his AR 2:05:38. The time is still the 17th fastest performance of all-time.

Marathon

1. 2:05:38 - Khalid Khannouchi - London (2002)
2. 2:06:17 - Ryan Hall - London (2008)
3. 2:08:47 - Bob Kempainen - Boston (1994)
4. 2:08:51 - Alberto Salazar - Boston (1982)
5. 2:08:53 - Dick Beardsley - Boston (1982)
6. 2:08:56 - Abdi Abdirahman - Chicago (2006)
7. 2:09:00 - Greg Meyer - Boston (1983)
8. 2:09:15 - Meb Keflezighi - New York City (2009)
9. 2:09:27 - Bill Rodgers - Boston (1979)
10. 2:09:31 - Ron Tabb - Boston (1983)

Source: All-Time Athletics

Best American Marathoners Ever 

featured lens The Best American Marathoners Ever

America has had its share of great marathoners. But there hasn't really been a clear way of determining where they rank. I set out to answer that question, and this lens shows my results. It's a dynamic list, though, and with every performance by pre...

4x100m - National Team: 37.40s 

Actually, they've done it twice!

In the 1992 Olympic Finals in Barcelona, team USA entered what appeared to be a close match. It turned into a blow-out when the US team set a world record, breaking their own previous mark by .10 seconds. The time was matched once by the US in 1993, but has since been passed by Jamaica, which has run faster twice.

4x100m All-time Top Ten

1. 37.40 - National Team - Barcelona (1992)
(Mike Marsh, Leroy Burrell, Dennis Mitchell, Carl Lewis)
1. 37.40 - National Team - Stuttgart (1993)
(Jon Drummond, Andre Cason, Dennis Mitchell, Leroy Burrell)
3. 37.48 - National Team - Stuttgart (1993)
(Jon Drummond, Andre Cason, Dennis Mitchell, Leroy Burrell)
4. 37.50 - National Team - Tokyo (1991)
(Andre Cason, Leroy Burrell, Dennis Mitchell, Carl Lewis)
5. 37.59 - National Team - Seville (1999)
(Jon Drummond, Tim Montgomery, Brian Lewis, Maurice Greene)
5. 37.59 - National Team - Athens (2006)
(Kaaron Conwright, Wallace Spearmon, Tyson Gay, Jason Smoots)
7. 37.61 - National Team - Sydney (2000)
(Jon Drummond, Bernard Williams, Brian Lewis, Maurice Greene)
8. 37.67 - National Team - Zurich (1991)
(Michael Marsh, Leroy Burrell, Dennis Mitchell, Carl Lewis)
9. 37.73 - National Team - Zurich (2009)
(Terrence Trammell, Mike Rodgers, Darvis Patton, Wallace Spearmon)
10. 37.75 - National Team - Tokyo (1991)
(Andre Cason, Leroy Burrell, Dennis Mitchell, Michael Marsh)

- - - > Video: USA sets a then world record of 37.40s 

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4x400m - National Team: 2:54.29 

4x400m All-time Top Ten

1. 2:54.29 - National Team - Stuttgart (1993)
(Andrew Valmon, Quincy Watts, Butch Reynolds, Michael Johnson)
2. 2:55.39 - National Team - Beijing (2008)
(LaShawn Merritt, Angelo Taylor, David Neville, Jeremy Wariner)
3. 2:55.56 - National Team - Osaka (2007)
(LaShawn Merritt, Angelo Taylor, Darold Williamson, Jeremy Wariner)
4. 2:55.74 - National Team - Barcelona (1992)
(Andrew Valmon, Quincy Watts, Michael Johnson, Mike Marsh)
5. 2:55.91 - National Team - Athens (2004)
(Otis Harris, Derrick Brew, Jeremy Wariner, Darold Williamson)
6. 2:55.99 - National Team - Atlanta (1996)
(LaMont Smith, Alvin Harrison, Derrick Mills, Anthuan Maybank)
7. 2:56.16 - National Team - Mexico City (1968)
(Vince Mathews, Ronald Freeman, Larry James, Lee Evans)
7. 2:56.16 - National Team - Seoul (1988)
(Danny Everett, Steve Lewis, Kevin Robinzine, Butch Reynolds)
9. 2:56.91 - National Team - Helsinki (2005)
(Andrew Rock, Derrick Brew, Darold Williamson, Jeremy Wariner)
10. 2:57.29 - National Team - Rome (1987)
(Danny Everett, Roddie Haley, Antonio McCay, Butch Reynolds)

High Jump: Charles Austin - 2.40m (7-10.50) 

Despite being nearly 20 years old, Charles Austin's AR jump still ranks 9th all-time in the event. Only 3 humans have ever jumped higher than Charles Austin.

High Jump All-time Top Ten

1. 2.40 - Charles Austin - Zurich (1991)
2. 2.39 - Hollis Conway - Norman (1989)
3. 2.37 - Tom McCants - Columbus (1988)
3. 2.37 - Jerome Carter - Columbus (1988)
5. 2.36 - Jim Howard - Rehlingen (1987)
5. 2.36 - Doug Nordquist - Norwalk (1990)
5. 2.36 - Dusty Jonas - Boulder (2008)
8. 2.35 - Darrin Plab - New Orleans (1992)
8. 2.35 - Nathan Leeper - Sacramento (2000)
8. 2.35 - Charles Clinger - Eugene (2002)
8. 2.35 - Andra Manson - Austin (2009)

Source: All-Time Athletics

- - - > Video: Charles Austin critiques his jumps, starting with his AR 

Hey, this lens can even teach you something about high jumping!
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Pole Vault - Brad Walker: 6.04m (19-9.75) 

The best pole vaulters in US history have all competed within the past decade, but none has gone higher or won more than Brad Walker. The Osaka World Champion, his personal best ranks as the 16th highest jump of all-time, but only three men in history have ever gone higher.

Pole Vault All-time Top Ten

1. 6.04 - Brad Walker - Eugene (2008)
2. 6.03 - Jeff Hartwig - Jonesboro (2000)
3. 6.01 - Tim Mack - Monaco (2004)
4. 6.00 - Toby Stevenson - Modesto (2004)
5. 5.98 - Lawrence Johnson - Knoxville (1996)
6. 5.97 - Scott Huffman - Knoxville (1994)
7. 5.96 - Joe Dial - Norman (1987)
8. 5.92 - Dean Starkey - Sao Paulo (1994)
9. 5.90 - Nick Hysong - Sydney (2000)
10. 5.89 - Kory Tarpenning - Indianapolis (1988)

Source: All-Time Athletics

- - - > Video: Brad Walker sets AR in Eugene 

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Long Jump - Mike Powell: 8.95m (29-4.50) 

Mike Powell had to do something extraordinary to win the 1991 World Championships gold medal, namely beat Carl Lewis. And Lewis was on form, jumping the third longest jump ever in 8.87. But it wasn't enough, as Powell leapt 8.95 in a feat that is still yet to be matched.

Long Jump All-time Top Ten

1. 8.95 - Mike Powell - Tokyo (1991)
2. 8.90 - Bob Beamon - Mexico City (1968)
3. 8.87 - Carl Lewis - Tokyo (1991)
4. 8.74 - Larry Myricks - Indianapolis (1988)
4. 8.74 - Erick Walder - El Paso (1994)
4. 8.74 - Dwight Phillips - Eugene (2009)
7. 8.63 - Kareem Streete-Thompson - Linz (1994)
8. 8.52 - Savante Stringfellow - Palo Alto (2002)
9. 8.51 - Roland McGhee - Sao Paulo (1995)
10. 8.49 - Melvin Lister - Baton Rouge (2000)

Source: All-Time Athletics

- - - > Video: Highlights from the greatest long jump competition ever 

Please forgive the music...I didn't choose it!

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Triple Jump - Kenny Harrison: 18.09m (59-4.50) 

Kenny Harrison had the perfect Olympic Games. He not only won the gold medal, he broke the American Record...twice! He cleared 17.99 during his series, and then came back to better it with his astounding 18.09. That jump remains the 2nd farthest triple jump in history.

Triple Jump All-time Top Ten

1. 18.09 - Kenny Harrison - Atlanta (1996)
2. 17.97 - Willie Banks - Indianapolis (1985)
3. 17.87 - Mike Conley - San Jose (1987)
4. 17.86 - Charles Simpkins - Kobe (1985)
5. 17.78 - Melvin Lister - Sacramento (2004)
6. 17.71 - Walter Davis - Indianapolis (2006)
7. 17.63 - Kenta Bell - Walnut (2002)
8. 17.58 - Aarik Wilson - London (2007)
9. 17.53 - Al Joyner - San Jose (1987)
10. 17.44 - LaMark Carter - New Orleans (1998)

Source: All-Time Athletics

- - - > Video: Kenny Harrison's OT qualifier and winning jump in Atlanta 

And a little thug love

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Shot Put - Randy Barnes: 23.12m (75-10.25) 

Perhaps the most controversial record on the books, Randy Barnes tested positive for anabolic steroids the same year he broke the world record with his 23.12m throw. However, it has not been repealed by the IAAF, so it still stands.

Shot Put All-time Top Ten

1. 23.12 - Randy Barnes - Westwood (1990)
2. 22.86 - Brian Oldfield - El Paso (1975)
3. 22.67 - Kevin Toth - Lawrence (2003)
4. 22.54 - Christian Cantwell - Gresham (2004)
5. 22.52 - John Brenner - Walnut (1987)
6. 22.51 - Adam Nelson - Gresham (2002)
7. 22.43 - Reese Hoffa - London (2007)
8. 22.20 - John Godina - Carson (2005)
9. 22.02 - Dave Laut - Koblenz (1982)
10. 21.98 - Greg Tafralis - Los Gatos (1992)

Source: All-Time Athletics

- - - > Video: Randy Barnes throws a world record at UCLA 

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Discus - Ben Plucknett: 71.32m (234-0) 

Ben Plucknett broke the world record with a throw of 72.34m in 1981, but was caught using steroids, and banned for 18 months. He subsequently returned to throw what is the current AR of 71.32m. This mark is still 11th on the all-time list.

Discus All-time Top Ten

1. 71.32 - Ben Plucknett - Eugene (1983)
2. 71.26 - John Powell - San Jose (1984)
3. 71.18 - Art Burns - San Jose (1983)
4. 71.14 - Anthony Washington - Salinas (1986)
5. 70.98 - Mac Wilkins - Helsinki (1980)
6. 70.38 - Jay Silvester - Lancester (1971)
7. 69.91 - John Godina - Salinas (1998)
8. 69.46 - Al Oerter - Wichita (1980)
9. 69.40 - Art Swartz - Scotch Plains (1979)
10. 69.36 - Mike Buncic - Fresno (1991)

Source: All-Time Athletics

Hammer - Lance Deal: 82.52 (270-9) 

Lance Deal stands head and shoulders above all US hammer throwers. Not only does he have the farthest throw in US history, but he also boasts nine of the top ten throws by Americans. His best of 82.52 is the 154th best mark ever at the distance.

Hammer All-time Top Ten

1. 82.52 - Lance Deal - Milan (1996)
2. 81.88 - Jud Logan - University Park (1988)
3. 80.02 - Ken Flax - Modesto (1988)
4. 79.26 - Kevin McMahon - Eugene (1999)
4. 79.26 - A.G. Kruger - Berea (2004)
6. 79.20 - James Parker - Provo (2004)
7. 78.25 - Kibwe Johnson - Marietta (2005)
8. 77.72 - Bill Green - Culver City (1987)
9. 76.28 - Michael Mai - Provo (2008)
10. 75.90 - Peter Farmer - Vanves (1979)

Source: All-Time Athletics, Track and Field News

Javelin - Breaux Greer: 91.29m (299-6) 

Since the change from the old implement to the new style of javelin, one man has reigned supreme in the US. Breaux Greer won a bronze medal in the 2007 World Championships, and that same year set his AR, which is also the 30th best performance of all-time.

Javelin All-time Top Ten

1. 91.29 - Breaux Greer - Indianapolis (2007)
2. 89.16 - Tom Petranoff - Potchefstroom (1991)
3. 87.12 - Tom Pukstys - Jena (1997)
4. 84.20 - Mike Barnett - Santa Barbara (1991)
5. 83.88 - Dave Stephens - Knoxville (1991)
6. 83.87 - Chris Hill - Eugene (2009)
7. 83.74 - Leigh Smith - Athens (2008)
8. 83.16 - Cyrus Hostetler - Eugene (2009)
9. 83.00 - Brian Crouser - Corvallis (1987)
10. 82.97 - Corey White - Austin (2009)

Bonus: Old Specs Top Five

1. 99.72 - Tom Petranoff - Westwood (1983)
2. 95.80 - Bob Roggy - Stuttgart (1982)
3. 95.10 - Brian Crouser - Eugene (1985)
4. 94.06 - Duncan Atwood - Eugene (1985)
5. 91.44 - Mark Murro - Tempe (1970)

Source: All-Time Athletics, Track and Field News

- - - > Video: Breaux Greer throws AR in the javelin 

Actually, this is his 2nd best throw, but it's got a good interview, too.

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Decathlon - Dan O'Brien: 8891pts 

For a while, Dan O'Brien wasn't just the American Record holder, he was the World Record holder. He was also a three-time World Champ and 1996 Olympic gold medalist. In arguably his best year of competition, 1992, he memorably failed to qualify for the Olympic games after no-heighting the pole vault. His AR still ranks 6th all-time in the event.

Decathlon All-time Top Ten

1. 8891 - Dan O'Brien - Talence (1992)
2. 8832 - Bryan Clay - Eugene (2008)
3. 8790 - Trey Hardee - Berlin (2009)
4. 8784 - Tom Pappas - Palo Alto (2003)
5. 8649 - Dave Johnson - New Orleans (1992)
6. 8644 - Steve Fritz - Atlanta (1996)
7. 8634 - Bruce Jenner - Montreal (1976)
8. 8595 - Chris Huffins - Sydney (2000)
9. 8404 - Ricky Barker - College Station (1996)
10. 8397 - Fred Dixon - Bloomington (1977)

Rankings: Scoring the ARs based on IAAF Scoring Tables 

Which AR is most impressive?

The IAAF Scoring Tables attempt to create a score for each event based on historical performances. After looking at the tables, it is possible the tables are slightly biased in favor of the sprints, but it's still the best we've got. For reference, the best performance ever according to the IAAF Scoring Tables is:

**** 1,374 - 100m: Usain Bolt - 9.58
  1. 1,335 - 200m: Michael Johnson - 19.32
  2. 1,332 - 100m: Tyson Gay - 9.69
  3. 1,328 - Long Jump: Mike Powell - 8.95 (29-4.50)
  4. 1,308 - Shot put: Randy Barnes - 23.12m (75-10.25)
  5. 1,300 - 400m: Michael Johnson - 43.18
  6. 1,284 - 400m hurdles: Kevin Young - 46.78
  7. 1,277 - 4x100m: Marsh/Mitchell/Burrell/Lewis - 37.40
    -------------------> Drummond/Cason/Mitchell/Burrell - 37.40
    1,277 - 4x400m: Valmon/Watts/Reynolds/Johnson - 2:54.29
  8. 1,274 - Triple Jump: Kenny Harrison - 18.09m (59-4.50)
  9. 1,272 - 110m hurdles: Dominique Arnold - 12.90
  10. 1,268 - Marathon: Khalid Khannouchi - 2:05:38
    1,268 - Pole Vault: Brad Walker - 6.04m (19-9.75)
  11. 1,264 - Discus: Ben Plucknett - 71.32m (234-0)
  12. 1,256 - High Jump: Charles Austin - 2.40m (7-10.50)
  13. 1,255 - 1500m: Bernard Lagat - 3:29.30
  14. 1,251 - Half-Marathon: Ryan Hall - 59:43
  15. 1,247 - Decathlon: Dan O'Brien - 8891pts
  16. 1,244 - 800m: Johnny Gray - 1:42.60
  17. 1,242 - Mile: Alan Webb - 3:46.91
  18. 1,241 - Javelin: Breaux Greer - 91.29m (299-6)
  19. 1,234 - 3000m: Bob Kennedy - 7:30.84
  20. 1,224 - 5000m: Dathan Ritzenhein - 12:56.27
  21. 1,222 - 3000m Steeplechase: Dan Lincoln - 8:08.82
  22. 1,219 - Hammer: Lance Deal - 82.52m (270-9)
  23. 1,204 - 10000m: Meb Keflezighi - 27:13.98

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See what others are saying!

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  • Reply
    Ronan O'Reilly Ronan O'Reilly Sep 15, 2009 @ 7:48 pm
    Firstly i'd just like to say I love the website, its awesome man!

    Jonathan Edwards jumped 18:16 and 18:29 in his 1st and 2nd jumps at the 1995 Worlds in Gotenburg, so that would make Kenny's 18:09 the 3rd best jump of all time. i remember watching all three jumps live. Edwards jumps were unreal. And Kenny Harrison's jump was awesome. I remember the comontator on RTE (the national broadcastor in Ireland) just after kenny landed his jump screaming "THAT IS HUGE, THAT IS HUGE." Awesome! :) great memories.
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