Originally Posted by The Dean

OK - another note of discord from me...............

One of the problems with wheelchair events is that events that are normally very different in the regular Olympics have their differences diminished by the fact that all events require a similar style.

David Weir's achievement in winning 800m, 1500m, 5000m and Marathon is astonishing, but diminished slightly by the fact that the four events - very different usually, with different physical requirements - become winnable by the same man with the same 'technique' in each event.

Just a thought............. (mind you, I feel that way about swimming in the main Olympics - how difficult is it, if you can win the 200m freestyle, to win the 100m and 400m freestyles as well?)

Originally Posted by Victor Meldrew

In simple terms, there are differences. Physiologically a 100m race requires more power (different types of muscle fibres) than a 400m race which requires greater stamina and endurance (and different muscle fibres again). In addition leg kick timing in relation to arm pull rate is different in the 2 races. In the 400m tactics also play a greater part.

Comparative differences in distance in swimming are also greater than in athletics, so your question would be like asking why Usain Bolt can't also be a 3000m champion.

Simples!😄

Originally Posted by Victor Meldrew

In simple terms, there are differences. Physiologically a 100m race requires more power (different types of muscle fibres) than a 400m race which requires greater stamina and endurance (and different muscle fibres again). In addition leg kick timing in relation to arm pull rate is different in the 2 races. In the 400m tactics also play a greater part.

Comparative differences in distance in swimming are also greater than in athletics, so your question would be like asking why Usain Bolt can't also be a 3000m champion.

Simples!😄