• Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us
  • Login
  • Register
  • Home
  • Archive
  • Contact Us
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Archive
  • Contact Us
No Result
View All Result
No Result
View All Result
Home Track & Field

Murphy’s Law, Racing Styles Collide In Men’s 800m Final

Dave HunterbyDave Hunter
July 7, 2016
0
0 0
0
SHARES
2
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

David Hunter began writing about Clayton Murphy in the spring of 2015 for RunBlogRun. And he has been right on every occassion. During the final, Dave kept his recorder on and did the race live, next to me, as Clayton Murphy ran his race. And a wonderful race it was! Here is David Hunter’s feature on Clayton Murphy and Boris Berian’s fine battle.

Murphy-Berian1a-OlyTr16.JPGClayton Murphy and Boris Berian battle over 800 meters, photo by PhotoRun.net

RelatedPosts

Conversations with Larry: Shawnti Jackson signs NIL deal with Brooks Running

Is Sha’Carri Richardson the one true global star of Track and Field since Usain Bolt?

NUGUSE SMASHES AMERICAN RECORD FOR THE MILE: 3:43.97

2016 U.S. Olympic Trials / Track & Field

Murphy’s Law
Racing Styles Collide In Men’s 800m Final

Eugene, Oregon
Independence Day, 2016

“If they’re going to run themselves out in the first 400,
I’ll just catch them in the last 100.” – Clayton Murphy

We should have known. The pre-race scoreboard video was a premonition of the excitement to come. Minutes before the start of the men’s 800m final – with 1972 Olympic gold medalist Dave Wottle waving from the medal podium at the south end of Hayward Field – the stadium scoreboard displayed a montage video of Wottle’s career highlights, including the final strides of his electrifying last step Olympic win over highly-touted Yevgeny Arzanov in the Munich 800m final. Many consider that final the most exciting race of all time. Perhaps until tonight.

Many of the fans who witnessed this evening’s men’s 800m final may wish to offer up a new candidate for that honor. A battle of contrasting strategies was anticipated. And that’s exactly what unfolded. With the inclusion of Mississippi’s Craig Engels – tripped in his semi – advanced to the final, 9 athletes began from a double waterfall start with the crowd still buzzing over the roller-derby-like tangle – a true pile up – in the women’s 800m final just minutes before. As expected, Brandon Johnson stormed to the front, taking the field out quickly in 24.61, followed by Harun Abda and world indoor gold medalist Boris Berian in close pursuit with Clatyon Murphy sitting back on the outside in 7th. On the first time down the homestretch, Berian jumped to the front, flying past the bell in 50.6, with Johnson on his shoulder and Penn State’s Isiah Harris in 3rd. Murphy – the reigning NCAA indoor 800 and outdoor 1500 champion – sat 8 meters back in 8th place – unfazed – as they began the final circuit.

On the backstretch Murphy started to drive on the outside moving up to 5th as Berian – still leading, but beginning to labor – split 600 in 1:17.43. Moving well now, Murphy continued his Wottle-like drive as he sped by American indoor 600m record holder Casimir Loxsom on the turn and swung wide coming off the Bowerman Curve in 4th. Murphy reached down for more – and he had it. Lifting well and exhibiting superior leg speed, Murphy sprinted by Harris and Erik Sowinski down the homestretch to climb into 2nd as Berian – like Arzanov in ’72 Olympic 800m final – was beginning to crack. Inspired by what he saw ahead of him, Murphy kept the pedal down and – as Wottle did to Arzanov 44 years ago – caught Berian just steps before the line for the win. Currently, the former University of Akron star’s 1:44.74 clocking is #2 on the American leader board and#9 on the world list. Berian – nipped at the line, but nonetheless thrilled by his Olympic berth – was 2nd in 1:44.92 while a strong finish by Charles Jock – now a recovering frontrunner – propelled him into the 3rd in 1:45.48 to grab 3rd and the final Olympic berth.

The similarities between this 800m final and the 800m final at the Munich Games are uncanny – a much-anticipated final; a clash of racing styles; favored frontrunners seeking to steal the race; and patient, strong winners using long drives to capture victory in the final steps. The only thing missing tonight was a golf cap. And so it seemed entirely appropriate that Dave Wottle – the Munich 800m gold medalist and Ohio native and legend – would present the Trials gold medal to 800m champion Clayton Murphy – Ohio native and perhaps emerging legend. “It was a great honor to meet him,” stated the winner who has looked up to Wottle since he was a youngster. “It was a surreal moment. Being an Ohio guy like Dave, I have aspired to be like Dave. He’s an Ohio icon.”

Murphy revealed he was ready for the fast pace. “I knew there was a possibility of sub-50 [at the bell]. I knew there was the possibility of that 50 point. I wanted to be closer to 51. I don’t mind the fast race up front.” The tempo and Murphy’s singular focus prevented him from observing some of the finer points of the race. “I honestly had no clue,” admitted the winner about his first lap positioning. “I thought I was further up than 8th. I didn’t realize I was that far back. When I saw 50 point on the clock, I knew it wasn’t as fast as I expected. I kind of wanted to go through in about 51.00 give or take a little bit. I think I was pretty close to that. [Murphy actually split 400m in 51.54.]. And then I just wanted to keep moving and be in the top 4 at 600 and then keep moving at 150. So that was kind of my plan. So my goal was from 200 to keep pushing to the line. I didn’t think I could win until about 10 meters to go. I thought I could be top 3 at 200. I knew if I could come off the curve and be in the top 3 at 100 to go, then I had a pretty good shot at staying in the top 3. But I wasn’t sure if I could get Boris.” Always striving for perfection, Murphy has already identified a few elements of his game that need improvement. “The first 400 is something I’ve got to work on. But this is for sure a shock to the system to go in sub 52. I’ve got a month to work on it and my goal now is to make the final in Rio.”

Berian deflected any suggestion that he was disappointed with his 2nd place finish. “I was just excited. I only saw one person pass me,” added the world indoor 800m champion with a smile. “Clayton is definitely a strong athlete. And I am definitely excited to have him representing the USA with me.” Boris noted that early race jostling made it difficult for him to seize immediate control of the race. “It was a little tough the first 300, 350. I didn’t even know it was going to be a waterfall start until just before I started warming up. But I got out there and didn’t mess around. I had to get to the front. I was kind of debating a little bit, but that’s the way I run: take control right way, finish it up, finish strong.” Berian admitted difficulty in wrapping his head around his new status as an Olympian. “It’s definitely something hard to think about – to imagine yourself on the Olympic team. To actually think that it could happen – it’s crazy. I’m just real happy to be on the team right now – so excited.”

With his major pre-season goal of making Rio squad now accomplished, the New Paris, Ohio native allowed himself to share his feelings on his new Olympian status. “Being an Olympian outweighs the national championship, for sure. I just wanted to be in the top 3 going in. To be an Olympian and to represent Team USA is something I dreamed of since I started running. I just can’t wait to get to Rio.”

The new champion knows he is ready for the big stage that awaits in Brazil. “I think last summer having three international experiences prepared me well to go to Rio,” notes the middle distance specialist, alluding to his impressive championship racing last summer in Toronto’s Pan American Games where he captured gold, in the Caribbean where he took silver in the NACAC competition, and in Beijing’s world championships where he just missed advancing to the finals.

Murphy credited his coach Lee Labadie for cultivating his confidence over the past several years. “My coach has instilled that confidence that it doesn’t matter how fast I run the first three quarters of the race, the last quarter is going to be there,” explained Murphy. “And so it is kind of breaking the race into those quarter segments and getting to that three quarter point. No matter how fast it is, it’s knowing the last 150 I can have confidence to finish hard.”

The new champion shared his thoughts on lessons learned during the rounds of the 800 meters. “We learned today that rankings don’t really mean anything with Donovan [Brazier] struggling in the prelims,” offered Murphy. “It’s all about showing up on the day and being able to run well. I felt like I progressively got better through the rounds. That’s going to give me confidence for another month to run well in Rio.”

Overlooked by many of the sport’s pundits in the pre-Trials form charts, Clayton Murphy was able to duck the limelight, stay undistracted, and come to the track each day ready for business. Quite frankly, the experts in the sport and a goodly number of his competitors underrated him. Such status doesn’t disturb Murphy. He likes being under the radar. That’s not likely to be the case in the event Clayton Murphy elects to toe the line in the Thursday’s first round of the men’s 1500 meters. Dave Hunter

Author

  • Dave Hunter
    Dave Hunter

    Dave Hunter is an award-winning journalist who is a U.S. Correspondent for Track & Field News.  He also writes a weekly column and serves as Senior Writer for www.RunBlogRun.com, and covers championship track & field competition domestically and in such global capitals as Moscow, Birmingham, Zurich, Brussels, Beijing, Rio de Janeiro, Zagreb, Ostrava, and Doha.  Hunter frequently serves as the arena or stadium announcer for championship track & field gatherings, including the Ivy League, the Big East, the Mid-American Conference, the NAIA, the Big Ten, and the Millrose Games.  Hunter has undertaken foreign and domestic broadcast assignments.  He ran his marathon P.R. 2:31:40 on the Boston Marathon course back in the Paleozoic Era.  To find out more about Dave, visit his website: www.trackandfieldhunter.com  He can be reached at: dave@trackandfieldhunter.com

    View all posts

Previous Post

Sam Kendricks, master of his domain, by Lindsay Rossmiller

Next Post

Tyson Gay at 2016 USA Olympic Trials day 3, fifth in 100 meters in 10.03

Dave Hunter

Dave Hunter

Dave Hunter is an award-winning journalist who is a U.S. Correspondent for Track & Field News.  He also writes a weekly column and serves as Senior Writer for www.RunBlogRun.com, and covers championship track & field competition domestically and in such global capitals as Moscow, Birmingham, Zurich, Brussels, Beijing, Rio de Janeiro, Zagreb, Ostrava, and Doha.  Hunter frequently serves as the arena or stadium announcer for championship track & field gatherings, including the Ivy League, the Big East, the Mid-American Conference, the NAIA, the Big Ten, and the Millrose Games.  Hunter has undertaken foreign and domestic broadcast assignments.  He ran his marathon P.R. 2:31:40 on the Boston Marathon course back in the Paleozoic Era.  To find out more about Dave, visit his website: www.trackandfieldhunter.com  He can be reached at: dave@trackandfieldhunter.com

Similar Post

Conversations with Larry: Shawnti Jackson signs NIL deal with Brooks Running
Convos w LE

Conversations with Larry: Shawnti Jackson signs NIL deal with Brooks Running

September 23, 2023
Coffee With Larry, Berlin Marathon is tomorrow, US Olympic Trials will be well presented, but hotels and Air BnBs are already charging more!
Coffee With Larry

Coffee With Larry, Berlin Marathon is tomorrow, US Olympic Trials will be well presented, but hotels and Air BnBs are already charging more!

September 23, 2023
Will a win -or anything else- matter for Eliud Kipchoge at the 2023 Berlin Marathon?
World Marathon Majors

Will a win -or anything else- matter for Eliud Kipchoge at the 2023 Berlin Marathon?

September 23, 2023
Coffee with Larry, Nike Pre Classic : Best Edition Ever!
Training Tips

2023 RunBlogRun Fall Cross Country Training & Racing, Week 2, day 6, a day at the races!

September 23, 2023
Tigst Assefa targets course record once more in Berlin, BMW BERLIN-MARATHON on Sunday with fastest ever women’s field
Events

Tigst Assefa targets course record once more in Berlin, BMW BERLIN-MARATHON on Sunday with fastest ever women’s field

September 22, 2023
WC / Day Eight: Relay Madness:  4×1 Sweep For USA, Mondo’s Perfect Game Strikes Gold
Athletics Chat

Athletics Chat, Epilogue on Episode 102, Deep thoughts on the Summer of 2023

September 22, 2023

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Subscribe to RunBlogRun's Global News Feed

Wake up to RunBlogRun’s news in your inbox. Sign up for our newsletter and we’ll keep you informed about the Sport you love.

*we hate spam as much as you do

  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
USATF / Day Four:  USA’s Assembled Team Is Ready!

Abby Steiner replies via twitter, on the curiosity about her new professional running contract

August 27, 2023
An epic pole vault competition

An epic pole vault competition

August 26, 2023
2022 USATF Outdoor Champs: Melissa Jefferson takes the Women’s 100m title in windy 10.69!

The curious case of Sha’Carri Richardson: How can the sprinter turn around her career?

February 8, 2023
Reborn Sha’Carri Richardson comes back from the brink and is now ready to become the world champion

Reborn Sha’Carri Richardson comes back from the brink and is now ready to become the world champion

July 17, 2023
What happened to the crowd at Eugene?

What happened to the crowd at Eugene?

7
Asafa Powell, Considering Longevity in Sprinting

The RunBlogrun Interview: Asafa Powell

5
2022 Munich Diary, Day Five, a Great Friday Night

2023 European Athletics Indoor Champs, The Women’s 60m, who will win the final tonight?

5
TCS New York City Marathon Broadcast to be Available in More Than 530 Million Homes Around the World on Sunday, November 6

RunblogRun Editorial: The Sorry State of Running Television Coverage, by Peter Abraham, note by Larry Eder

4
Conversations with Larry: Shawnti Jackson signs NIL deal with Brooks Running

Conversations with Larry: Shawnti Jackson signs NIL deal with Brooks Running

September 23, 2023
Coffee With Larry, Berlin Marathon is tomorrow, US Olympic Trials will be well presented, but hotels and Air BnBs are already charging more!

Coffee With Larry, Berlin Marathon is tomorrow, US Olympic Trials will be well presented, but hotels and Air BnBs are already charging more!

September 23, 2023
Will a win -or anything else- matter for Eliud Kipchoge at the 2023 Berlin Marathon?

Will a win -or anything else- matter for Eliud Kipchoge at the 2023 Berlin Marathon?

September 23, 2023
Coffee with Larry, Nike Pre Classic : Best Edition Ever!

2023 RunBlogRun Fall Cross Country Training & Racing, Week 2, day 6, a day at the races!

September 23, 2023

Popular Stories

  • USATF / Day Four:  USA’s Assembled Team Is Ready!

    Abby Steiner replies via twitter, on the curiosity about her new professional running contract

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • An epic pole vault competition

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • The curious case of Sha’Carri Richardson: How can the sprinter turn around her career?

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Reborn Sha’Carri Richardson comes back from the brink and is now ready to become the world champion

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • What happened to the crowd at Eugene?

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
Conversations with Larry: Shawnti Jackson signs NIL deal with Brooks Running
Convos w LE

Conversations with Larry: Shawnti Jackson signs NIL deal with Brooks Running

September 23, 2023
Coffee With Larry, Berlin Marathon is tomorrow, US Olympic Trials will be well presented, but hotels and Air BnBs are already charging more!
Coffee With Larry

Coffee With Larry, Berlin Marathon is tomorrow, US Olympic Trials will be well presented, but hotels and Air BnBs are already charging more!

September 23, 2023
Will a win -or anything else- matter for Eliud Kipchoge at the 2023 Berlin Marathon?
World Marathon Majors

Will a win -or anything else- matter for Eliud Kipchoge at the 2023 Berlin Marathon?

September 23, 2023
Coffee with Larry, Nike Pre Classic : Best Edition Ever!
Training Tips

2023 RunBlogRun Fall Cross Country Training & Racing, Week 2, day 6, a day at the races!

September 23, 2023

Recent Tweets

Next Post

Tyson Gay at 2016 USA Olympic Trials day 3, fifth in 100 meters in 10.03

runblogrun

RunBlogRun comments on the global world of athletics, sports & ethics, and the Olympic movement. @runblogrun

Browse by Category

Newsletter

Subscribe to our mailing list to receives daily updates direct to your inbox!

  • Home
  • Archive
  • Contact Us

© 2022 Run Blog Run - All Rights Reserved

No Result
View All Result
  • Archive
  • Contact Us
  • Home page
  • My Account
  • Sample Page

© 2022 Run Blog Run - All Rights Reserved

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password? Sign Up

Create New Account!

Fill the forms below to register

Select a password for yourself. (minimum length of 8)

Paste here the user biography.

Provide here the twitter screen name. i.e. @RunBlogRun

Provide here the instagram screen name. i.e. @RunBlogRun

Provide here the facebook profile URL. i.e. http://www.facebook.com/RunBlogRun

Provide here the linkedin profile URL. i.e. https://www.linkedin.com/in/larry-eder-5497253

All fields are required. Log In

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In

Add New Playlist