Made his name first when he broke his national record in 2004. Made the WC semifinal in 2005. He started 2006 very promising scoring three more national records, winning two major races (Doha and Oslo) in the process. In 2007 he won at Oslo again but a further breakthrough did not materialize. At the 2008 Olympic games he managed to make the semifinals, but he hasn't been able to make the headlines since.

Formerly known as John Yego from Kenya. He switched to Bahrain in 2005. In that year he also became World Youth Champion at 1500m (his year of birth is often given as 1988, but this is controversial). After two promising seasons in 2005 and 2006 he improved a lot in 2007, setting Asian records for 1500m indoors and 1000m. He won several races at 1500m and also won a fast 800m in Rieti in a new PB. In 2008 he reached the Olympic semifinals. His 2009 WC campaign saw him reach the 1500 final and the 800 semifinals.

Born under the name Kosgei in Kenya he obtained Saudi-Arabian nationality in 2002. He made the World Championship semifinals in 2003 and again in 2005 after setting a new national record that same year. Did well in 2006 and further improved his national record. In 2007 he reached the WC final. At the 2008 Olympics he made the semifinals. Set another new national record early in 2009 but after that his progress came to a halt and at the WC he went out in the heats. Hasn't been running anywhere near his earlier levels lately.

Arguably the most allround middle and long distance runner the world has ever seen, feared for his devastating sprint finishes. Won gold at the 1984 Olympic 5000m. Set a new WR at 5000m in 1985. The following month he broke Cram's 1500m WR just weeks after it was set. In 1987 he added the WR for 2000m. A week later he was the first to break 13 minutes at 5000m. World Champion in 1987 at 1500m. In 1988 his bid to add a major 800m title failed but he still picked up Olympic bronze. In 1989 he reached another landmark when his WR at 3000m broke the 7:30 barrier. Incredibly from 1989 to 1992 he held four WR's (1500-2000-3000-5000).

European 1500m Champion in 2002. The same year he set a spectacular French 800m record improving himself by more than two seconds. Early 2003 he went sub 1:45 indoors as well, lowering the French indoor record by a similar margin. Despite a few further solid 800m runs he concentrated his efforts on the 1500m and at the 2003 WC on home soil he took a 1500m silver medal. At the 2005 WC he disappointingly went out in the 1500m semis but did make the 800m final and finished sixth. He hit back in 2006 convincingly defending his European title at 1500m.

Very consistent tall front runner with a long and distinguished career. A successful 1986 season was followed in 1987 by the World Indoor title and a bronze medal at the WC. In 1988 he started the Olympic final as one of the favourites, but went out too fast and came only 6th. He finished 2nd in the 1989 Indoor WC and remained among the top 800m athletes during the 1989 outdoor season, but hardly raced the next season. He came back strongly in 1991 however, when he won nearly all his races and set a seasons best of 1:43.08. Although clearly the leading 800m runner of the year he had to be content with silver at the WC after being outsprinted by Billy Konchellah. The following year he finished 4th at the Olympics. His last big prize was winning the 1995 PanAm games. His total of 38 sub-1:45 marks is still the sixth best ever.

Fast finisher who came 5th in the 1992 Olympic final. His tactical awareness was ample compensation for his lack of sheer speed, as he showed when he became European Champion in 1994. Injuries forced him to retire early.

Had an exceptionally good season in 1978 when he won a silver medal at the European Indoor Championships. Later that year he took gold at the European Championship in the fastest time of the season ahead of English favourites Ovett and Coe. Now that the GDR has been disbanded that run will forever remain in the books as the national record.

Majestic 1500m runner, occasionally participating in 800m as well. World champion at 1500m in 1987. Set an impressive national 800m record in 1989.

The 'Grand Old Man' of Kenyan 800m running. Came to the fore by winning a bronze medal at the 1972 Munich Olympics. He was also 4th at the 1500m. Won silver and gold at the 1974 and 1978 CW Games respectively but was denied his chances at further Olympic glory when Kenya decided to boycott the games in 1976 and again in 1980. Set a season's best in 1975 with 1:43.79, which was then just fractions outside the WR. Held the African record for nine years. Poignantly he had his best year in 1976, when his 1:43.57 missed Juantorena's world record by just 0.07 seconds.

Unorthodox world class runner. Leapt into the international limelight when he became 2000 European Indoor Champion with an astounding display of even pace running, which also made him second fastest indoor of all time. Used similar tactics to reach the Olympic final and came 6th. He repeated his indoor efforts in 2001, this time becoming World Indoor Champion. His duels with Bucher were the highlight of the 2001 season. Although he had only one win it did result in the fastest time of the season (also his PB). Inexplicably he didn't go to the 2001 WC. In 2002 he never quite found his best form. At the 2002 EC he mysteriously (and unsuccessfully) participated in the 400m. He had a return to form in 2003, breaking 1:44 four times. He looked ready to become World Champion but in the final accelerated slightly too early and had to settle for silver. Started well in 2004, winning the first Golden League meeting. In Athens he paced the final exactly right and came from behind to win a glorious gold medal. His form in 2005 improved after an indifferent start, although he couldn't convert his role of favorite for the World Championship and after a tactical error had to be content with another silver behind the surprising Ramzi. He looked a favorite for the 2006 World Indoor Championships but had to settle for bronze. Outdoors he had a superb win in Athens but few other notable performances. In the tactical 2007 WC final his trademark final dash brought him the bronze. After a modest start in 2008 his win in Monaco was his second fastest time ever. At the Olympic games however he disappointingly went out in the semifinals. Early in 2009 he became European Indoor Champion once more. A win in Oslo confirmed his good form. At the WC he made yet another final finishing fourth.
The only athlete to break 1:45 indoors five times. His usual strategy is to lag well behind during the first lap and to move spectacularly forward on the second lap, thus running the distance with even pace throughout.

Won a bronze medal at the 1998 Commonwealth Games. Had his best year in 1999 when he beat Kipketer to become World Indoor Champion. Reached the semifinals at the 1999 WC and 2000 Olympics. He was also second at the World Indoors in 2001.

Won gold at the 1982 Commonwealth Games in Brisbane.

Consistent runner, who participated frequently throughout the mid-eighties and was ranked in the top ten for several years. Had his best year in 1986 when he became European Indoor Champion. Also finished sixth at the European Championships later that year.

Energetic front runner with great strength and speed. Lucky enough to be Swiss, which guaranteed him a starting place in Zürich from as early as 1995. At the 1998 EC he saw his steady progress rewarded with a silver medal. In 1999 he entered world class when he broke 1:43 and improved his PB by more than 1.5 seconds in Brussels. Ran very well in 2000 and was World leader (1:43.12) but only came 5th in the scrappy Olympic final. In 2001 he started well with a bronze at the European Indoors. During the 2001 outdoor season he was at the peak of his powers, clearly establishing himself as the king of the 800m after winning all duels except one with Borzakovskiy. He crowned his season by convincingly becoming World Champion in Edmonton and had possibly his finest moment running his PB in front of an ecstatic home crowd at the Weltklasse Zürich.
From 2002 his results became less spectacular. At the European Indoors he was unexpectedly beaten into silver by Czapiewski. An injury spoiled his 2002 outdoor season preparation, but he still managed to take silver at the EC. Due to further injuries he never reached world level again. His best was a semifinal at the 2003 WC, at the 2004 Olympics and 2005 WC he went out in the heats. He hardly ran in 2006 and early in 2007 he announced his retirement. Apart from Kipketer and Cruz he is still the only one to have gone below 1:43 three times within a single season (2001).

Very talented Kenyan runner. Already 2nd at the 1998 WJ Championships. Reached world class in 2001 when he won silver at the WC. He also broke 1:43 later that season. In 2002 he ran Kipketer close in Rieti in the second fastest time of the year, which also made him 5th fastest athlete ever. Early in 2003 he became only the second Kenyan (after Ereng) to break 1:45 indoors. At the World Indoors he won bronze. He was the number one during the 2003 outdoor season with several convincing wins well below 1:44, but unluckily missed the Kenyan trials due to illness. He had his revenge when he scored a splendid win in Brussels setting a world leading time of 1:42.52. In 2004 he won the Kenyan trials and the big races in Zürich and Brussels. His win in Zürich in 1:43.06 made him the 2004 world leader as well. He looked a favourite for Olympic gold but ran out of steam in the final and came 5th. In 2005 he came first at the Kenyan trials, but at the World Championships he finished 4th after leading into the home straight. He did win at Zürich and at the World Finals and his win in Rieti (1:43.70) made him world leader for the third season in a row. Scored a long overdue first international title when he became 2006 indoor World Champion. Started well outdoor winning in Paris. Anchored the Kenyan relay team (with Mutua, Yiampoy and Kombich) to a new 4x800 WR (7:02.43) in Brussels. In the final of the 2007 WC he finished just a fraction short of a medal and came fifth. Below 1:44 in each year from 2001-2006 (only Kipketer has a longer streak). Usually a front runner. In 2006 he became only the third athlete to run sub-1:45 for the 50th time. In 2007 he had a rather mediocre season. In 2008 he ran sparingly but did win the Kenyan trials and crowned his career with a splendid win at the Olympic games.

Rose to international level in 2000 after reaching an Olympic semifinal and finishing 3rd at the African games. His usual tactics are to run last for the first 400 and only move to the front on the last 200. That strategy came good at the 2004 Olympics when he unexpectedly finished 4th. He reached the semis at the 2005 WC and set a new PB early in 2006. Reached the semis at the 2007 WC.

Very promising young talent. Won the GP race at Hengelo and improved his personal best several times. Made the WC final and was very close to a medal before finishing fourth. Has started promisingly in 2008, winning in Berlin. In Madrid he came second in a PB and broke 1:44 for the first time. Made the semifinals at the Olympics. In 2009 his form appears to have declined.

Regular competitor on the circuit in the late nineties, but due to the enormous depth in strength in Kenya he was never able to qualify for any major tournaments. Later occasionally a pacemaker.

Fine middle distance runner. Won the World Junior 800m title in 1998. Mostly switched to 1500m after 1999. At that distance he finished 8th at the 2000 Olympics and 4th at the 2001 World Championships. He remained a world class 1500m runner for several more years, but after 2005 his performances declined and he retired in 2007.

Winner of the PanAm games in 1991. Held the American 1000m indoor record from 1989 until 2002 when it was broken by Krummenacker.

Legendary middle distance runner with an elegant style and incredible pace. Won his first international title at the 1977 European Indoor Championships when he outclassed the opposition despite being just 20 years old. Went out too fast at the 1978 EC but still managed bronze. Set a splendid world record of 1:42.33 in 1979, more than a second below Juantorena's mark. Within 6 weeks he also set WR's for 1500m and the mile. A world best on the 1000m (2:13.40) followed in 1980. He was beaten into silver at the Olympic 800m by Ovett after a poor tactical race, but took revenge by taking gold at the 1500m. A new set of WR's followed in 1981, when he put the 800m mark at 1:41.73, a mark so good that it resisted attacks until 1997 when it was finally beaten by Kipketer. A month later Coe clocked 2:12.18 for a 1000m WR that would remain intact even longer (Ngeny beat it in 1999). He took Ovett's mile WR, lost it to him again and reclaimed it again that same season. Disappointingly he came only second at the 1982 EC. Early in 1983 he set the World Indoor record at 1:44.91i. At the 1984 Olympics he took silver on the 800m and another gold at 1500m. In 1986 he finally captured that elusive 800m title when he became European Champion in Stuttgart.

Enjoyed a brief spell of success during the 1987 season.

Glorious middle distance runner mostly concentrating on the 1500m but with enough pace to gather 800m titles as well. In 1982 he became European Champion at 1500m, but was also world leader at 800m with a modest 1:44.45. In Helsinki 1983 he became the first 1500m World Champion. The following year he took silver at the Olympic 1500m. In 1985, at the peak of his career, he broke Coe's 1500m WR, beating Aouita by 0.04 seconds and being the first ever athlete to run sub-3:30. Eleven days later he beat Ovett's mile WR. Another eight days later he also ran a world best at 2000m. That same year his 2:12.88 at 1000m narrowly missed Coe's WR. In the Zürich 800m he finished ahead of Cruz, being the only one to beat him during 1984-5. In 1986 he was double CW Champion at 800m and 1500m. The following month he added an 800m bronze and a 1500m gold at the European Championships. He ended the year with the season's best mark of 1:43.19. In later years his sensitivity to injuries often prevented further top performances.

A young talent Cruz set a world junior record in 1981 of 1:44.3m. He won a bronze medal at the WC in Helsinki 1983. At the 1984 Olympics he ran an amazing 1:43.82 to win his semifinal. The next day he beat World Record holder Coe into second place winning gold in a new Olympic record of 1:43.00, which also catapulted him into second place on the 800m all time list. Later that season he emphatically confirmed his status as the nr. 1 800m athlete of the moment. Terrific wins in Zürich, Brussels and Köln took 800m running to a level that remained unsurpassed for another 10 years, as he broke 1:43 all three times, and did so within a single week! In Köln he missed Coe's WR by as little as 0.04" as he set the (then) second fastest time ever of 1:41.77, making him one of only three athletes ever to break 1:42. He broke 1:43 a further three times (including the season's best of 1:42.49) in an almost equally splendid week in 1985 to bring his total of sub-1:43 marks to six (only Kipketer has more). His performances during these two summers still put him in second place on the all time top five average list. After 1985 his career was hampered by injuries, but in 1988 he returned and won silver at the Seoul Olympics. In later years he switched to 1500m. Won the PanAm games in 1987 and 1995 on that distance.

Won a totally unexpected bronze medal at the 2001 WC, improving his PB several times. He also managed to break the 16 year old Polish record going well below 1:44, even though he had never been below 1:45 before 2001. He outkicked Bucher to become 2002 European Indoor Champion and finished 4th at the European Championships that same season. He hardly ran during 2003 and 2004 but returned in 2005 and although he could not get close to his earlier performances he still made the semis at the WC. After several low profile seasons he was back to international level in 2008. His standard tactics are to hang back for the first lap and produce an ultrafast sprint finish.

Improved himself by more than a second to win Olympic gold in 1968. The official time given was 1:44.3m, recognized as equalling the WR. This was later electronically corrected to 1:44.40, which currently (a stunning 40 years later!) still stands as the Australian record.

Born in England, moved to Norway at age 16. Regular competitor during the early nineties. Finished 8th at the 1994 European Championships.

Finished 5th as a young talent at the 1982 European Championships. In 1983 he kept improving and he won silver at the first ever World Championships. Made another European final in 1986 and came 4th. European Indoor Champion in 1987. Took two more silver medals at that event in 1988 and 1989. Holder of the Dutch record from 1982 until 2006.

Made the Olympic final in 2000 in a national record. In 2001 he enjoyed a relatively successful Grand Prix season. He came 8th in the 2002 CW final. He remained active for several more years but was unable to reach his former levels again.

Middle distance runner with many successes, though often plagued by injuries. He took at a silver medal at the 1983 Indoor EC. Finished 4th at the WC in 1983. Won bronze at the 1986 CW games. A second medal at the 800m came in 1987 with a silver at the Rome WC. At the Seoul Olympics in 1988 he was 4th at the 800m but improved on that by taking a silver at the 1500m. Early in 1990 he won the 1500m at the CW Games. On the wings of that success he clocked the fastest 800m time of the 1990 season (1:42.97) a few weeks later.

Won Olympic gold in Seoul 1988 as a total outsider. He went on to win the 1989 World Indoor title in a world indoor record (1:44.84i). He totally dominated the 1989 season winning all but one of his races in great style. He reached the pinnacle of his career that year in Zürich where he convincingly beat the strongest field of the season with a splendid display of even pace running in what turned out to be the fastest time of the year (1:43.16). He looked likely to win many more championships, but after 1989 his career inexplicably faltered. In 1991 he won the World Indoor title and booked a 4th place at the WC, but those were his last notable performances. He was renowned for keeping an even pace throughout the race, often winning from behind.

Early success came in 1988 when he became US champion and qualified for the Olympic games. In the early 1990's he gradually became one of the leading athletes on the 800m. In 1991 he won several Grand Prix races and crowned his season with a bronze medal at the World Championships. He reached the 1992 Olympic final as well but could not finish after a fall. He managed to reach two more major finals, finishing 8th at the World Championships in both 1995 and 1997. His last notable performance came in 2000 when he became US champion for a record eighth time. He was well known for his 'wide' style of running and fast finishes.

Reached the semifinals at the 1987 World Championships.

Unexpectedly won the 1982 European Championship ahead of 'certain winner' Coe. Also finished 7th at the 1983 WC.

Born in South-Africa. A 400m/800m runner he won silver at 400m at the 1971 EC. Set the last manually timed World Record of 1.43.7m (still the Italian record). Came 6th at the 1974 EC. A foot injury forced him to retire early.

Remarkable athlete showing unsurpassed consistency and durability. The only athlete to make four Olympic 800m finals, although just one medal resulted. Emerged from the 1984 US trials and finished 7th in the Olympics. Set a North American record in 1985 of 1:42.60 (still stands). In 1986 he also set a world best for 600m (1:12.81, still stands). Won the PanAm games in 1987. World leader in 1988 (1:42.65), when he also finished 5th in the Olympic final. Reached the 1991 WC final (finishing 6th). Set a North American indoor record in 1992 of 1:45.00 (still stands). World leader again in 1992 (1:42.80). Won his only major international medal (a bronze) that same year at the Barcelona Olympics at age 32. Reached yet another Olympic final in 1996 finishing 7th. Won the PanAm games in 1999 aged 39. Six times US champion between 1985 and 1996. His total of 65 sub 1:45-runs was eventually surpassed by Kipketer, but no other athlete has yet approached 60. Went below 1:44 26 times (Kipketer has more, but no one else has reached 15). Also broke 1:45 a stunning 14 consecutive seasons (second best is 10 by Coe). Holder of all age records from 35-39 years.

Fastest American in 2000 and 2001 seasons, but was never able to qualify for a major Championship. Retired only a few seasons later.

Solid performer in the earlier and mid-eighties. Came 4th at 1980 Olympics, 6th at the WC in 1983. In 1984 and 1985 he ran a string of good times in races dominated by compatriot Cruz.

Regular competitor in the middle and late nineties. Reached the semifinals of the 1993 and 1995 WC. Came second at the 1997 World Indoor Championships. Holder of the Moroccan record since 1995.

African Champion in 1995, took silver that same year at the World Championships. He had a very good season in 1996, but unluckily just missed the Olympic final as the fastest non-qualifier. He ran only briefly but well late in 1997, and a long and successful career looked very possible. Over the next three years however his levels dropped dramatically and he could not even break 1:45 once. In 2001 he suddenly peaked again and even improved his PB. After that single successful season he mysteriously disappeared again.

Talented German runner who became European U20 champion in 2001 and U23 champion in 2003. In 2002 he finished 7th at the European Championships. He set his PB just before the 2004 Olympics and went on to reach the Olympic semifinals. Although he was German Champion from 2001 to 2006 an international breakthrough never quite happened. Early in 2009 he was totally unexpectedly found dead in his apartment, having suffered a heart attack caused by inflamed heart muscle due to a viral infection.

Tall athlete (1.91) whose length and giant strides often make him stand out in the field. He already ran 1:46 when only 18 and did surprisingly well at the 2004 Olympic Games where he made the final even if he could only finish 8th. In 2006 he ran 1:44 and came 2nd in the African Championships. He hardly ran in 2007 but did really wel in 2008 breaking his PB several times and doing well in several Grand Prix races. He then crowned an already excellent season with a silver medal at the Olympic games. In 2009 he had a great indoor season, breaking 1"45 and becoming the fourth fastest athlete alltime indoors. Outdoors he ran strongly as well running a new PB in Athens breaking 1"44. He also managed a win in Paris. At the WC he dropped out of his semifinal.

Regular competitor at the highest level for several years, but unable to break through and reach a major final. In 2005 he switched to the 1500m. His PB also holds the unusual distinction of being the fastest time ever run by an athlete finishing in 10th place only.

Holder of the Asian record until 2004 when it was broken by Youssef Saad Kamel. Still the fastest native Asian of all time. Suspended from 1995-1997 for a doping offence.

Unexpectedly won the 1984 US trials in a world class time, then confirmed his talent by winning an Olympic bronze. Another string of good results followed in 1986 but a serious injury forced him to end his career prematurely.

Actually a 400 meter runner Juantorena apparently decided just weeks before the 1976 Olympics to participate in the 800m as well. He gloriously emerged with gold in both events setting a new 800m world record (1:43.50) in the process. The following year he improved his world record to 1:43.44 in Sofia. After 1978 injuries forced him to specialize in the 400 meter again (4th in the 1980 Olympics). Known for his majestic long strides he was nicknamed El Caballo (the horse).

One of the brightest young talents currently. Winner of the Pan-Arab games late in 2007 in a stunning 1:43. Early in 2008 he became the youngest ever World Indoor Champion, leading the fast final from start to finish. In Oslo he ran out a brilliant winner in a new world Junior Record (1:42.69), breaking the old mark by Kimutaii, and becoming the first one to break 1:43 for almost five years. Later that season he became World Junior Champion. He looked a serious contender for the Olympic title but inexplicably failed in the semis. Started impressively in 2009 winning two very fast races in Doha and Hengelo but dropped out dramatically in Oslo. At the WC his bad luck at major tournaments continued as he fell over during his semifinal. In 2010 he front ran the final to retain his World Indoor title. In a spectacular run in Oslo he was just beaten by Rudisha but still ran a brilliant new PB to move him up to fifth on the alltime list. In Paris he took a first Diamond League victory and he also won the fast Monaco race.

Born as Gregory Konchellah, son of former Kenyan World Champion Billy Konchellah. In 2003 he showed early promise when he ran 1:45. In November 2003 he changed nationality to Bahrain and changed his name into Youssef Saad Kamel. His real breakthrough came in 2004 when he ran several solid races before winning the fastest ever B-race in Zürich in a stunning new Asian record. At the Olympics an illness caused him to be eliminated in the heats, but he ended the season well with victories in Berlin and at the World finals. In 2005 he did wel but was unable to win any major races and at the WC he just missed the final. In 2006 he had another steady season and was victorious at the World Cup. Made a promising start in 2007 but again just missed the WC final. Took a bronze medal at the 2008 World Indoor Championships. In Monaco he ran an excellent new Asian record breaking 1:43 for the first time. At the Olympic games he fell just short of a medal and came fifth. In 2009 he concentrated on the 1500 and with great success as he became World Champion. Four days later he also took bronze at the 800.

Rose to fame in 1997 finishing 3rd in the World Indoor championships, then 3rd in the US trials, and finally winning a bronze at the WC when he just outsprinted Patrick Konchellah. He set a very promising PB in Zürich, but shortly after that he was plagued by injuries, which forced him to announce his retirement.

Regular competitor and among the top US runners in the early nineties. He ran his PB at the 1992 US trials, but agonisingly only finished 4th by just a few hundredths.

Caused quite a shock in 1989 when he debuted on the European scene with 1:43.70 in Oslo, but somehow other big results never materialized. Finished 2nd three years in a row (89-90-91) at the African Championships. In later years he regularly competed at international meetings but his performances were less spectacular. He improved his PB late in 1996 but never broke 1:45 again. Paced El Guerrouj through the first 800m of his 1998 1500m WR of 3:26.00.

Quickly rose to international level in 1995. He made the semifinal in the 1995 WC, and again at the 1996 Olympics. He won the Kenyan Championships in 1996 in 1:43.80, which remained the fastest time on Kenyan soil for seven years. After 1996 his short career faded quickly and he was never able to break 1:45 again.

A prodigious talent Kimutai won a World Junior title in 1996, then set a world junior record of 1.43.64 in the 1997 Zürich B-race. He was generally considered to be the leading 800m runner of 1998, as he broke 1:43 twice, beat Kipketer in the season's second fastest race in Zürich, and topped the 1998 list in 1:42.76. He finished off with gold at the African Championships and the CW games. The following year he performed on a similarly high level, breaking 1:43 two more times, but was unable to match Kipketer's magnificent return to form. He finished out of the medals (5th) at the WC, but was still victorious at the All-Africa Games. He looked set for many glorious years but unfortunately his performances dropped sharply after 2000. At the 2002 CW games he came 5th. He showed a brief return to form towards the end of 2002 and made a promising start to 2003, in particular when he won the Kenyan trials in the fastest time ever run on African soil. At the WC he was eliminated in the semifinals. After a poor 2004 season his career effectively ended.

Burst onto the scene in 1998 with an astonishing PB of 1:43.03, but was unable to repeat that kind of performance. In the CW final he lead at 400 in sub-WR pace but eventually came only last. He had his best season in 1999 when he ran a number of solid races and reached the WC final finishing 7th.

World Record holder, universally recognized as the greatest 800m runner ever, renowned for his marvellously elegant running style. Was born in Kenya, but moved to Denmark in 1990. He leapt to international fame when he convincingly won the very fast 800m race at the 1994 Bislett Games. He went on to win all but one of the Grand Prix races he took part in that season. In 1995 he remained unbeaten, set a seasons best of 1:42.87, broke 1:43 twice and became World Champion representing Denmark. In 1996 he did even better, as he again won all his races (including all of the Golden Four), broke 1:43 an amazing seven times, and clocked 1:41.83 at Rieti, the fastest mark for 12 years. Due to an archaic 'seven year rule' regarding naturalization his Olympic participation was blocked and he was denied a chance to go for an almost certain Olympic gold.
At the 1997 World Indoor Championships his efforts were superhuman as he smashed Ereng's World Indoor Record by almost a full second (1:43.96i) during the heats, won his semi the following day at leisure, then demolished his own mark the next day in the final in 1:42.67i, a time few had believed possible on an indoor track with its much tighter bends. His outdoor season took on epic proportions as well, as he first equalled Coe's WR in Stockholm (1:41.73), broke it in Zürich (1:41.24) and lowered it again to 1:41.11 in Köln, a mark so good that in may well stand as the world record for several decennia. Inbetween he defended his World Title in Athens. He remained unbeaten for the third consecutive season, went below 1:43 seven more times, and was overall Grand Prix winner as well.
His superb domination was unfortunately broken by a severe attack of malaria in early 1998. Although he did run several races he was beaten, for the first time in four years, in Zürich by Kimutai, and was unable to do himself justice during the physical final of the European Championships. At the 1999 World Indoor Championships he finished second to Botha, but the outdoor season saw him back to his glorious best, as he won all seven Golden League races, as well as the overall Grand Prix. Although he couldn't quite reach the dizzying levels of 1997 he remained unbeaten, broke 1:43 three times and posted the fastest time of the year in Brussels with 1:42.27. He also won the World Championship title again, his third in a row, although he had to beat Sepeng in a very close finish.
During the 2000 indoor season he broke the 1000m World Indoor record twice, first in Stuttgart (2:15.25i), then again in Birmingham (2:14.96i). An injury spoiled his outdoor season though, and he raced just a few times before going to the Olympics, where he left his kick just too late to overtake Schumann and had to be content with the silver medal. Injuries forced him to miss the entire 2001 season. In 2002 he was almost back to his old level again. He won all but one of his races (Mutua beat him in Zürich), became European Champion, broke 1:43 twice and topped the season's list with 1:42.32. Early in 2003 he finished 2nd at the Indoor WC. His form in 2003 was rather indifferent and in the World Championships final he finished 4th. Although he appeared no longer invincible he still opened his 2004 season promisingly with a win in Rome. At the Olympics he came close to his only missing title but in the end Borzakovskiy proved too strong and he had to settle for bronze. He ended the season with what would turn out to be his last race in Rieti. In 2005 he announced his retirement.
Apart from his official World Records (800m outdoor and indoor, 1000m indoor) the number of unofficial records he holds is near endless: most sub-1:45 marks (75), most sub-1:44 marks (45, second best is 26 by Gray), most sub-1:43 marks (22, second best is a comparatively modest 6 by Cruz), the only athlete to break 1:42 more than once (4 times). He ran the most sub-1:45 marks in a single season (12 in 1996, 13 including two indoor marks in 1997). He currently holds 8 of the 15 best marks ever, and 19 of the top 50.

Impressive winner of the 1974 Commonwealth Games in what was then the second fastest time ever.

Won a silver medal at 1500m at the World Junior Championships in 1998. That same year in Leverkusen he became the youngest athlete ever to break 1:45 (1:44.71 aged 17y 8m). Mostly a 1500m runner. In that event he was ranked among the top ten for several years.

Appeared from nowhere in 2010 and ran an amazing PB in Monaco in his first race at world class level.

Bright talent. Finished second in the 2008 Olympic 1500m final when only 19 but was awarded the gold after Ramzi was disqualified. Set a big PB at 800m early in 2009 and also won a very fast race in Athens. Was a main favourite for a WC title but only came fourth at the 1500m and was eliminated n the semis at 800m. Finished second in a fast time in the first Diamond League meeting.

Front runner who appeared on the scene in 1988. Qualified for the Olympic final but went out much too fast and finished last. He became African Champion in 1989 and did well on the European circuit, although he was not quite able to match Ereng at his finest hour. At the 1990 CW he won a silver medal. In 1992 he enjoyed his best season winning a number of Grand Prix races and also winning the overall circuit, although he had to settle for silver behind Tanui at the Barcelona Olympic Games. In 1993 he crowned yet another fine season with a world leading mark of 1:43.54. In 1994 he had a rather indifferent season and he retired soon afterwards.

First Kenyan distance runner to make an international impact. Won Kenya's first ever Olympic medal (bronze) in 1964. In 1966 he took silver at the CW games (at 880y). Front running most of the race he was narrowly beaten into silver at the 1968 Olympic games.

Appeared on the circuit in 1994 when already in his late twenties (although year of birth was originally given as 1967). Finished 6th in the 1996 Olympic final. Went sub-1:45 eleven times during 1996 season (only Kipketer has ever done better). Remained one of the most regular competitors during the late nineties. Paced the race in Köln (400m in 49.00) when Kipketer set his 1:41.11 WR. Remained active as pacemaker during his late thirties.

Kenyan talent who qualified for the 2009 WC and reached the final finishing 9th. In 2010 he ran regularly and set a strong PB in Monaco.

World Junior Champion in 1992 breaking 1:45 in the process. In 1994 he unexpectedly won at Rieti in the season's top mark of 1:43.17. Finished second at the 1995 World Indoor Championships. From 1996 on he was mostly active at 1500m.

Came second in the 2003 Kenyan trials. He could not quite convince on the Grand Prix circuit, but did make the World Championships final, finishing sixth. Showed good early form in 2004 but failed to qualify for the Olympics. His next two seasons were rather disappointing. He did better in 2007 and reached the semifinals at the WC.

Successful on the American circuit winning the 1993 and 1996 NCAA titles. Finished sixth at the 1997 WC in his best year on the 800m. Won silver at the 1998 European Indoor Champs. Thereafter he concentrated his career on the 1500m.

Talented young runner. Became Kenyan champion from nowhere in 2006. Also ran the third leg when the Kenyan relay team (with Mutua, Yiampoy and Bungei) set a new 4x800 WR (7:02.43) in Brussels. In 2007 he ran surprisingly rarely.

Set the pace (400 in 49.6) for Coe's 1981 World Record. Finished 4th at the 1984 Olympics. Dominated the 1987 season, when he won four big meetings in succession, became World Champion in the fastest time of the year and also won the African Championships. Illnesses (asthma, TB) kept him out of competition for several years. He unexpectedly returned in 1991 to defend his WC title successfully with a spectacularly fast finish. In 1993 he had another brief return and almost won a third world title but had to settle for bronze. His son Gregory turned out to be a great talent as well.

Son of former World Champion Billy Konchellah. In November 2003 he switched nationality to Bahrain and changed his name into Youssef Saad Kamel.

Came out of the shadow of older brother Billy in 1994 when he became Kenyan champion. He beat Kipketer in Brussels and ended the year with gold at the CW games. Two lean years followed but he returned for an excellent season in 1997 when he became Kenyan Champion again and came 4th at the 1997 WC, losing a medal place only by inches to Kenah. He came second in Köln in Kipketer's WR race in a 1:42.98 PB, ironically just below that of his more succesful brother. In 2000 he won the Kenyan Championships a third time.

Still number six on the all time list. In 1984 he became African Champion and ran brilliantly to finish a close second in Köln (when Cruz just missed the WR) and to destroy the African record by well over a second. He also came 2nd in two other major races. Several good performances followed in 1985, including a second African title, but in later years successes became rare. Remarkably he never managed to qualify for major global championships. His 1:42.28 remained the African record for 25 years until it was finally bettered in 2009 by Rudisha and is still the second best ever time for an athlete finishing 2nd.

Three times US champion (2001-2003). Improved steadily for many years. In 2001 he reached the WC semifinal but was not quite ready for the top yet. In 2002 he set a new US Indoor record at 1000m. During the outdoor season he was very competitive, improved his PB, and on two occassions broke 1:44 (the first American to do so since 1997). He got 2003 off to a perfect start when he beat Kipketer to become World Indoor Champion, but at the outdoor WC he was unable to get past the semis. His 2004 season was disappointing and he only finished 4th at the US Olympic trials. In 2005 he reached the WC semifinals. His levels seriously slipped after that but still remains active as pacemaker.

Made his first international appearances in 2002 and improved markedly in 2003. Scored a string of good results in 2004 and crowned it with a sub 1:44 PB in the Zürich B-race. He reached the semifinals at the Olympic games. Apart from a single race his form in 2005 was disappointing. A victory in a big PB in Rome 2006 put him back on world level and he had a number of other strong races that season. In 2007 he had another indifferent season - an excellent race in Monaco was mixed with lesser results. He did make the WC final though, finishing sixth. In 2008 his best so far was a fine win in Rome. At the Olympics he reached the semifinals. In 2009 he started off with his second fastest run and at the WC he made the final at the 1500 and again at the 800 metres, finishing fifth.

Broke 1:48 when only 18 years old, and steadily improved the following years. Early in 2003 he impressively broke his own PB by over a second. He reached the semifinals at the 2003 WC. A major breakthrough looked imminent but never happened. In 2004 he could not get past the heats at the Olympic games. In 2006 he looked ready for a medal at the EC but could only finish sixth. Was suspended for two years after a doping violation in 2007. Made a tentative return in 2009.

Originally a 400m runner Lahlou switched to 800m relatively late (1995) to enjoy a successful if short career on that distance. His best year was 1996 when he convincingly won his Olympic semifinal and finished 8th in the final.

Young Kenyan runner who stepped forward in 2008 improving to 1:44. Early in 2010 he took silver at the World Indoor Champs. Outdoors he was the second pacemaker when Rudisha ran 1:41.51 in Heusden. In Monaco he ran an excellent PB.

African Champion in 1993. He was one of the most consistent runners from 1994-1996, but was unable to force selection to any major championships. He had a particularly successful year in 1996 when he broke 1:45 an impressive nine times, three of which went below 1:44 as well. He set his PB winning what was then the fastest ever B-race (Zürich). He didn't run in 1997 and never broke 1:45 from then on. Occasionally ran as pacemaker in later years.

Did well in 2001 in the American College competition. Finished 4th in the 2002 Commonwealth Games, but disappeared into obscurity soon after that.

In the late nineties mostly a strong 1500m runner, finishng 2nd at the African Games and making the WC final in 1999. Early in 2000 he had a number of successful 800m races. His PB on 800 stood for ten years as the fastest 800m mark run on Australian soil. In 2001 he came 4th at the World Indoors. In later years he often ran as pacemaker. In 2010 he was tragically killed in a car accident.

Young Polish runner. Made progress in 2009 when he came 2nd at the EC U23 and improved his PB by over a second. At the WC he was tripped during the semis and reinstated into the final, finishing 8th. Showed good early form in 2010.

Tall and strong front runner. Made his international breakthrough in 1998 breaking 1:44 and finishing 7th at the EC. In 1999 he maintained his level and came 6th at the WC. In 2000 he narrowly missed the Italian record. He made the 2000 Olympic final and finished 6th but was disqualified for pushing. In 2001 he was suspended for two years after a nandrolone offence. He managed to qualify just in time for the 2003 World Championships and finished fifth. In 2004 he reached the Olympic semifinals. His 2005 season was unconvincing, but in 2006 he reached his last final at the European Championships (7th).

Started out as a 400m runner (PB 45.11 in 2003) but succesfully switched to 800. Scored his first major win at the 2007 PanAm Games where he broke 1:45 for the first time as well. In 2008 he ran a stunningly fast PB in Jerez and also won in Athens. Made the Olympic final where he looked strong but lacked strength in the final straight and finished sixth. In 2009 at the WC a convincing semifinal run was again followed by a disappointing tenth place in the final.

Among the top US runners of the early eighties. Reached the semifinals of the 1983 World Championships. He often performed well in European meetings but was unable to make the US team in later years.

Winner of the All-Africa games in 1978. His best year was 1979 when he became African champion and scored a good win in Zürich. He had another fine season in 1982 winning silver medals at both the African Games and the Commonwealth Games.

Appeared on the circuit in 1995 as another young Kenyan talent. African champion that same year on 1500m, and second on the 800m, but other major successes never materialized. Often a pacemaker in later years.

Finished 7th at the 1980 Olympics. Held the French national record for 23 years.

Finished 3rd at the legendary 800m run at the 1984 US 800m trials, but was unable to make it through to the Olympic final.

Effectively the last of the golden generation of British middle distance runners. Made an impressive entrance into the international scene when finishing 2nd at the 1986 CW games. Earned another silver medal four weeks later at the EC. Reached the WC final in 1987. The only man to beat Ereng during the 1989 season. Very successful in 1990 when he took the European Indoor title and later that year added the European Championship leading the race from start to finish. In 1993 he scored his final triumph becoming World Indoor Champion.

Latvian runner who spends most of his time in the USA. In 2004 he made huge progress and got to the Olympic semis. In 2005 he became NCAA champion. In 2006 he broke the Latvian record and improved himself by almost a second. At the European Champs he finished 4th after leading most of the race. His 2007 season was rather disappointing and at the WC he went out in the semis. Started well in 2008 finishing fourth at the World Indoor Championships, but the next few seasons produced no further highlights.

Exceptional 1500m runner who totally dominated the distance from 1990-1996. World Champion in 1991, 1993, 1995, Olympic Champion in 1996. Set World records on four distances: 1500m (1992 and 1995), mile (1993), 2000m (1995) and 3000m (1994). He held all four World Records from 1995-1996. Occasionally ran 800m races as well, but never in major tournaments.

Former double modern pentathlon national champion who made a successful switch to athletics after 1992. His quick progress showed early in 1993 when he already notched up a bronze medal at the 1993 European Indoor Championships. At the 1994 European Championships he finished 4th. Early in 1995 he set a splendid European Indoor record of 1:44.88i. Later that year he finished 4th at the World Championships. Set his PB in the 1996 Olympic final finishing 5th. In 1999 he showed his indoor talents once more when he won another bronze at the World Indoor Championships.

His international career really started in 2001 when he lowered his PB by more than 1.5 seconds and came 6th in the WC final. In 2002 he broke 1:44 and won gold at the CW games. He had an excellent season in 2003 when he won several Grand Prix meetings, including Zürich, where he beat the entire world elite. At the World Championships he won a bronze medal with a final dash for the line. In Brussels he also broke 1:43 for the first time, finishing second. Early in 2004 he convincingly became World Indoor Champion. His outdoor season was rather mediocre but he still scored a silver medal at the Olympics. In 2005 he started very well, running consistently fast and winning a close race in Oslo, but suffered a shock elimination in the WC semifinal. In 2006 he won a silver medal at the World Indoor Championships. His outdoor season was excellent as well with wins in Zürich, Berlin and the World Athletics Final and he became World Leader in Rieti. A win in Monaco made him 2007 World Leader as well. He looked a major favourite for the World championships but finished only 7th. Finished a close second to Kaki in the fast 2008 World Indoor Championship final. Outdoors he ran well, breaking 1:44 three times. At the Olympics he couldn't make it to the final. In 2009 he fell ill and had early injuries, but at the WC, after qualifying for the final as a fast loser, he timed his run to perfection to become World Champion. Later that season he couldn't win any major races but did run a new PB in Rieti. In 2010 he was in excellent form and would have won many races bu tfor the extreme speed of the young talents Kaki and Rudisha.

Showed early promise when he became World Junior Champion in 1996. Qualified for the 2000 Olympics but did not get past the heats. Improved strongly in 2001, breaking 1:45 and later 1:44 as well, although qualification for the WC eluded him. In 2002 he won silver at the CW games. He was also the only one to beat Kipketer that season when winning in Zürich. He had a steady season in 2003 but just missed qualification for the WC at the demanding Kenyan trials. Started well in 2004, setting a new African indoor record (1:44.71i). At the Olympics he could not get past the semifinals. His 2005 season was unexpectedly mediocre. In 2006 he was the starting runner of the Kenyan relay team (with Yiampoy, Kombich and Bungei) that set a new 4x800 WR (7:02.43) in Brussels. He hardly ran in 2007 and retired in 2008. He had an unusual running style holding his arms rather wide.

Burst onto the international scene midway through 1997 with a string of excellent races. He came 2nd during Kipketer's WR race in Zürich, going well below 1:43, which made him second fastest of the year and also lifted him to nr. 7 on the all time list. Finished 2nd in the 1997 African championships. During the 1997 WC final he managed only to finish 7th. In 1998 an early win in Rome (with another sub-1:43 run) seemed to make him favourite to rule the year in which Kipketer was returning from malaria, but despite breaking 1:44 three more times he was eclipsed by young Kimutai. In 1999 he was unable to break 1:45 again, and after that season he disappeared from the circuit as quickly as he had arrived.

Ran as a young talent in major races as early as 1996. Made his breakthrough late in 2000 when he reached the semifinal at the Olympics. In 2001 he very promisingly ran sub-1:43 and was third fastest of the season, although he was unable to get past the WC semifinal. He missed the entire 2002 season, and although he reappeared in 2003 he came never anywhere close to his earlier level again.

For a few brief years young Ngeny's star shone gloriously at the middle distances, although he was mostly active at 1500m. In 1998 he was already ranked fourth and in 1999 he took silver at the World Championships. He ran El Guerrouj very close during a World Record race at the mile and in Rieti he managed to take a World Record himself as he improved Coe's long standing 1000m mark to 2:11.96. In 2000 he realised the unthinkable by winning a spectacular Olympic gold ahead of El Guerrouj. His 2001 season was still very good although he was left out of the Kenyan WC squad. A car accident severely affected his career from 2001 and he never quite regained his former levels before officially retiring in 2006.

Finished 6th at the 1987 WC. Was also 2nd at the African Championships that same year.

Suddenly emerged in 1995, then in 1996 came through the Kenyan trials and won a splendid Olympic bronze in Atlanta in a very fast time. He ran a few more strong races in 1996 and also became African Chmapion that year. The following year he failed to impress however. After 1997 good performances became rare, and he was never able to make any further international impact.

Fourth at the 1987 World Championships. Held the Polish record for 16 years.

Very allround and at times controversial middle distance runner. His first international glory came with a European junior title in 1973, followed by a silver medal at the 1974 EC. Came 5th at the 1976 Olympics. At the 1978 EC he obtained another silver at the 800m and surpassed that with winning gold at the 1500m. In the years 1980-1983 he set 4 World records on the 1500m and mile. At the Moscow Olympics he snatched gold on the 800m ahead of favourite Coe. Several days later he was favoured to win the 1500m as well but had to settle for bronze as Coe ran out the winner that time. His last 800m action was an 8th place at the 1984 Olympics.

Set the fastest time of the year in 1980, but unluckily he was unable to compete in Moscow due to the Olympic boycott by the USA.

Set an impressive PB at a young age, but was unable to run that fast again in later years. His best result was a 6th place at the 1995 WC.

Showed great promise in 1996 winning the European Indoors title and setting his PB winning the European cup, but could later never find that form again.

Switched from Morocco to Bahrain to enjoy better training facilities. The first real indication of world class was during the 2004 indoor season when he took silver at the WIC. At the 2005 WC at Helsinki he completed an improbable double, winning gold at both 1500m and 800m after six gruelling races within 9 days. In 2007 he was not seen until the WC where took silver at the 1500m but was eliminated in the 800m semifinals. In 2008 he finished first at the Olympic 1500m, but was later found to have used a prohibited substance and suspended.

The first Canadian to break 1:45 (in 2004). Reached international top in 2005 when he broke his own national record three more times. Reached the final at the WC, finishing 8th. Improved his national record twice more in 2006, breaking 1:44 in the process. He ran very well in 2007 and was rewarded with a silver at the WC, being only a fraction away from becoming the 2007 World Champion before being denied on the line by Alfred Kirwa Yego. Started well in 2008 and ran a new national record in Monaco. At the Olympics he left his sprint finish just too late and finished fourth. In 2009 he looked in good shape but at the WC he was eliminated ain the semifinals.

Made his first international impact winning a bronze medal at the 2002 European Indoors. During the outdoor season he substantially improved the nine year old Spanish record and ended a splendid season with winning the World Cup and becoming the first Spaniard to break 1:44. By comparison his 2003 season was disappointing reaching only the semifinals at the WC. In 2004 he did reach his former levels, but just missed out on the Olympic final. In 2005 he took silver at the European Indoor Champs, but at the outdoor WC he went out at the semifinal stage once more. Injuries have troubled him since.

Easily the best US 800m runner between 1976 and 1984. He won seven US titles in nine years, but the Olympic boycott prevented him from taking part in Moscow. Sixth at the 1983 World Championships. He set his PB at the 1984 US trials but finished 4th in the same time as 3rd place, thereby very unluckily missing his final chance at Olympic qualification.

Already US champion in 1999 he has been steadily improving since. In 2002 he broke 1:45 for the first time. Reached the semifinals at the 2003 WC. Qualified for the 2004 Olympics. Scored three more US titles in 2005-2007. In 2005 he reached the semis at the WC. Had an excellent 2006 season, with a total of three PB's breaking 1:44 in the process. Reached the semis at the 2007 WC. In 2008 he could only reach 4th at the US trials missing Olympic selection. In 2009 he reached the semis at the WC. In 2010 he regularly acted as pacemaker.

American champion in 1995. Came 5th in the World Championships that year.

Put himself on the map in 1994 when he became the fastest native European for four years finishing second in Oslo (behind Kipketer) in 1.43.50. Later that year he took silver at the EC. He also won a bronze medal at the 1995 WC. Although unable to match Kipketer, Rodal had a fantastic season in 1996, breaking 1:44 seven times (only Kipketer has ever done better). He took full advantage of the Dane's absence in Atlanta winning Olympic gold in a new Olympic record. The 1997 season was less exciting although he still reached the WC final, finishing 5th. In 1998 he reached his last major final winning bronze at the European Indoor Championships.

Despite an impressive PB on the 800m predominantly a 1500m runner. On that distance he was 4th at the 1996 Olympics, African Champion in 1998, and also champion at the 1998 CW games.

In 2004 he appeared as yet another promising Kenyan runner, showing great improvement. Qualified for the Olympics but went out in the heats. Not seen at top level since.

Terrific Kenyan athlete. World Junior Champion in 2006. In 2007 he won a number of minor races before a surprise win in Zürich. He comprehensively showed his class by beating a very strong field in Brussels in a big PB. Early in 2008 he totally dominated the field at the African games and also won in Doha. He set a new PB in Oslo. Illness meant he could not qualify for the Olympics. He set a new PB early in 2009 but at the WC he just failed to reach the final. In Zürich he beat a strong field. He won again in Brussels and scored a terrific win in Rieti in 1:42.01, a brilliant new African record finally beating Koskei's mark from 1984 and making him 4th fastest athlete of all time. He also won the World Athletics final.
In 2010 he showed stunning early form running 1:43.15 in the first week of March. At the Doha Diamond League race he was a convincing winner in an even faster time, but in Oslo he improved that by almost a second winning in a spectacular 1:42.04. A further fast win in Lausanne made him the Diamond leader with distance. He followed that with a blistering new African record of 1:41.51 in Heusden, the third fastest race ever.

Enjoyed a brief but successful career after he started training seriously when already in his mid-twenties. Was first seen on the circuit in 1991. Made the Kenyan team in 1993 and became a surprise World Champion in a final without clear favourites. He retired the following year.

World class middle distance runner during the sixties. In 1966 he set a world record on 880 yards (1:44.9m), which, although not recognized, was equivalent to 1:44.3m at 800m, the world record at the time. He clocked three further world records at the mile (1966 and again in 1967) and 1500m (1967). At the 1968 Olympic Games he won silver at 1500m.

Emerged in 1984 becoming European Indoor Champion. Made the Olympic final and finished 5th. Remained invisible for three seasons but again reached the Olympic final in 1988, coming home in 7th place. Was never seen at top level after that.

Had a spectacular breakthrough in 1999, winning a bronze medal at the WC in Seville (improving his PB in every round). He confirmed his talents late in 1999 improving the Algerian record by a massive 1.5 seconds. In 2000 he had a number of fascinating duels with Bucher, each winning a number of Grand Prix races. He won the African championships as well. He was seen as a firm favourite for the 2000 Sydney Olympics, but he mistimed his efforts and had to settle for bronze. An Achilles tendon injury ruined his 2001 season. He returned in 2002 and without quite reaching his former levels he won the African Championships. In 2003 he competed just a few times, but at the World Championships he timed his race to perfection and scored the biggest success of his career with an unexpected gold medal. In 2004 he didn't race often but still made the Olympic final and finished in seventh place. In 2005 he looked below par, but did well to finish 5th when defending his world title. In 2007 he announced his retirement due to lack of motivation after many injuries.

Shrewd tactician with relatively modest pace (he never managed to run below 1:44) but a very sharp finish. First sign of his class was winning the 1998 European Indoor Championships. In the same year he became European Champion as well (aged only 20). At the WC in 1999 he made the final and finished 8th. In 2000 he won a silver medal at the European Indoor Championships. His greatest triumph came later that year when he won an unexpected gold medal in the tactical Olympic final. The 2001 WC saw him finish in 5th place. He scored another medal at the 2002 EC when he picked up another bronze medal. Two operations on his Achilles tendon kept him away from any competition during the next four seasons. He reappeared in 2007, but was never able to reach his earlier levels again. After failing to qualify for the 2009 WC in his home country he decided to retire.

Remarkably consistent performer. The only athlete to break 1:46 from 1993-2004. Already made the 1993 WC final (aged 19) and came 5th. His first international success was a silver medal at the 1994 Commonwealth games. In 1996 he first broke 1:45, then 1:44, and eventually even 1:43 when he took silver in a dazzling Olympic final and became the first black South African athlete to win an Olympic track medal. In 1997 expectations were high but he could not find his real form until after the World Championships. The following year was unspectacular, but he did win another silver at the 1998 CW games. In 1999 he had a terrific season and it was only the return of Kipketer that prevented him from winning several international meetings. At the WC he came close to his first major title but again was beaten (although by the narrowest of margins) by Kipketer and had to settle for yet another silver. Later that year though he broke his PB in Brussels. In 2000 he had a steady season, finishing 4th in the Olympic final. Another strong year in 2001 saw him make the WC final but this time he only finished 8th. He seemed rather out of touch in 2002, but 2003 saw a welcome return to form when he reached his fourth WC final (finishing 7th) and ran his fastest time for four years in Brussels. In 2004 he reached the Olympic final for the third consecutive time, finishing sixth.
Has broken 1:45 over 40 times and can also show 14 sub-1:44 marks (only Kipketer, Gray and Bungei have more). Usually ran wearing dark glasses. Unfortunately in 2005 he got involved in a doping affair and was suspended for two years, which effectively ended his career.

Showed early promise when he became the 1988 European Indoor Champion. Second at the 1990 European Championhips. Set his PB winning the 1992 Zürich B-race. Persistent injuries prevented a further career in athletics.

Set his mark when he was an unexpected winner of Olympic gold in 1960 just ahead of Belgian favourite and world record holder Roger Moens. Dominated middle distance running in the early sixties. In 1962 he set a WR at the mile, and added WR's at 800m/880y in the same race one week later. His time was the first ever below the 1:45 barrier (his new WR of 1:44.3m was an improvement of 1.4 seconds). He also won gold (at 880y) at the CW games in Perth that same year. In 1964 he defended his Olympic 800m title (in the second fastest time ever) and convincingly added a 1500m gold a few days later.

As a young talent he went well below 1:45 in 2000 and again in 2001. The following season he could not improve but still finished 6th at the EC. He had a number of confident Grand Prix races in 2003, but was unable to get past the semifinals at the WC. Started well in 2004 winning in Hengelo, but after an injury he just missed a place in the Olympic final. Another injury spoiled his entire 2005 season. He refound his old level in 2006 and became European Champion when he clinched a tactical race with a very late effort. He also broke the Dutch record when he finished second in Zürich. After an injury 2007 and 2008 were disappointing and at the 2007 WC he went out in the heats. Reappeared strongly in 2009. At the WC he was tripped in the semi but still put into the final, finishing seventh. Also ran well in Rieti. Ran well in 2010.

Totally unexpectedly enjoyed a one-off triumph in Oslo 1993 late in his career in the second fastest time of the season. Retired shortly after that.

Became European Indoor Champion in 1974, then followed that up by winning the 1984 European Championship. In 1976 he finished 6th in the Olympic final.

Improved vastly during the 2006 season. In 2007 he won at the Pre classic breaking 1:45 in the process. He finished 6th during the 2008 World Indoor Championships. Outdoors he ran a new PB as he came first at the US trials. At the Olympic games he reached the semifinals. In 2009 he was US Champion once more. Later that year he ran a new PB breaking 1"44 for the first time. At the WC he made the final finishing sixth. Again US Champion in 2010.

World class middle distance runner, although he didn't start training until already 21. In his first international year on the 800m (1990) he dominated the season. He became African Champion in 1990 and again the next year, even if his 1991 season was somewhat disappointing. He reached the peak of his career in 1992 though, crowning his season with the gold medal at the Olympic games. In later years he couldn't quite find the pace needed at 800m, although he was still 7th at the 1993 WC. After 1994 he switched mostly to 1500m. In 1996 he finished 5th in the Olympic 1500m final. After finishing his competitive career he remained active for quite a few years as an expert pacemaker at 1500m.

Originally a 400m runner (won 400m at 1995 PanAm games). He improved strongly in 1996 when he produced a string of good results. Came fourth in the Olympic final in the fastest ever time for 4th place in any race. In later years unable to break 1:44 again, but he still won silver at the 1997 WC and finished in 4th place at the 1999 WC.

Among the most regular runners of the mid-nineties. Made the semifinal in the 1995 WC, but unable to make any major finals. Set his PB in one of those famous fast B-races in Zürich. Was pacemaker in Zürich 1997 when Kipketer lowered the World record to 1:41.24.

Won silver medals at the 1990 European and 1991 World Indoor Championships. At the 1994 European Championships he won a bronze medal.

Totally unknown when he made the Kenyan team for the 1990 CW games when already in his thirties. Unexpectedly won gold in the very tactical and thereby rather unpredictable final. He was never seen again on the circuit.

Had a successful year in 1996 when he reached the Olympic semifinal and lowered the Latvian 800m record to an internationally respected time.

Finished 7th at the EC in 1990, but his biggest success was his silver medal at the 1993 World Championships. In 1994 he finished 5th at the European Championships. In 1996 he won silver at the European Indoor Championships.

A fantastic young talent, Ivo won his first international medal at the 1975 European Indoor Championships (silver). A year later he convincingly became European Indoor Champion. At the 1976 Olympic games he fulfilled all expectations winning silver at both 800m and 1500m after two brilliant runs. He confirmed his talents in several races later that season and appeared destined for many records and championships, but tragically died in a road accident in December 1976. His Belgian 800m record still stands to this day. Each year in Brussels the famous Ivo Van Damme memorial is held in remembrance of his talents.

Won a bronze medal at the 1998 European Championships.