Havlicek, Bill Cunningham, Nate Archibald competed in a '73 athletics competition

[CavaliersFTW]

Had their 100 yard dash, and half mile times taken. Cool because these numbers can be compared with Wilt Chamberlain's Track and Field data to give some sort of context of what a few other NBA athletes, some such as Archibald being known for elite "quickness", and Havlicek known for elite endurance, were capable of. It should be noted these guys likely competed without much, if any preparation or training.

*EDIT* According to these links, many more NBA players also participated over the course of a few years:
http://www.thesuperstars.org/comp/74pr1.html
http://www.thesuperstars.org/comp/73final.html
http://www.thesuperstars.org/comp/75final.html
http://www.thesuperstars.org/comp/76final.html
http://www.thesuperstars.org/comp/81final.html
http://www.thesuperstars.org/comp/81world.html
http://www.thesuperstars.org/comp/75pr1.html
http://www.thesuperstars.org/comp/76pr1.html
http://www.thesuperstars.org/comp/76pr2.html
http://www.thesuperstars.org/comp/77pr3.html
http://www.thesuperstars.org/athletes/smithphil.html
http://www.thesuperstars.org/athletes/barry.html
http://www.thesuperstars.org/athletes/bing.html
http://www.thesuperstars.org/athletes/dantley.html
http://www.thesuperstars.org/athletes/havlicek.html
http://www.thesuperstars.org/athletes/mcginnis.html
http://www.thesuperstars.org/athletes/silas.html

100 yard dash (note, not the same as modern Olympics 100 meter race, slightly shorter):

10.00 Wilt Chamberlain
10.89 George McGinnis
11.15 Dave Bing
11.27 Bill Cunningham
11.30 Dave Cowens
11.36 Nate Archibald
11.38 Chet Walker
11.40 Rick Barry
11.45 Jim McMillan
11.50 Elvin Hayes
11.54 Phil Smith
11.62 John Havlicek
11.77 Phil Chenier
12.40 Adrian Dantley
12.60 Paul Silas


880 yard/half mile race (note, not the same as modern Olympics 800 meter race, slightly longer):

1:58.3 Wilt Chamberlain
2:14.9 Dave Bing
2:16.5 Jim McMillan
2:16.8 John Havlicek
2:18.7 Phil Smith
2:21.2 Nate Archibald
2:24.6 Phil Chenier
2:25.3 Dave DeBusschere
2:26.3 Dave Cowens
2:30.0 Elvin Hayes
2:32.9 Pete Maravich
2:41.9 Bill Cunningham

Chamberlain, as a runner, is just in a different class altogether than at least that small group of NBA players. And some of those guys like Archibald are less than half his size. That should give some context as to why he was considered such a freak. A giant with ridiculous size, length and strength, that also put up legitimate competitive Track and Field times one would expect out of smaller, more specialized athletes.

(click for high-res)
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-9Gn7EWbr13s/VSCEoYnPw6I/AAAAAAAAF-E/C59SBJigmzo/s800/Detailed%2520Measurement%2520Data%25204-4-15%2520jpg.jpg (https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-9Gn7EWbr13s/VSCEoYnPw6I/AAAAAAAAF-E/C59SBJigmzo/s0/Detailed%2520Measurement%2520Data%25204-4-15%2520jpg.jpg)

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-G1ExsvOiP6U/VSCIcAWwJxI/AAAAAAAAF-U/emTUFczWU9M/s800/Havlicek%2520Archibald%2520and%2520Cunningham%2520 compete%2520in%2520athletic%2520events%2520100%252 0yard%2520and%2520half%2520mile%2520times%2520etc% 2520pt2.jpg

Also thought I'd point out I came across an article that states Wilt's playing weight throughout the 1965 season was 301lbs, up from his 292lbs the previous season (that previous season he also reported to training camp at 320lbs). It is mentioned he trimmed back down at least at the beginning of the 1966 season to 275. This is all well before his Lakers years. I hope there is not much doubt anymore as to how heavy Chamberlain generally played at, even early in his career. He was like Shaq, or LeBron in the sense that his listed weights (250 as a rookie, 275 for the rest of his career after about 3 seasons) were almost always low-balling his actual weight.

(click for high-res)
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-cJ5GdWIxgMs/VR4mB0K24aI/AAAAAAAAF9I/sbu4sxE6kjM/s800/Wilt%2520weighed%2520301%2520pounds%2520for%2520th e%25201965%2520nba%2520season.jpg
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-cJ5GdWIxgMs/VR4mB0K24aI/AAAAAAAAF9I/sbu4sxE6kjM/s0/Wilt%2520weighed%2520301%2520pounds%2520for%2520th e%25201965%2520nba%2520season.jpg)

[Marchesk]

Wilt ran a 1:58 in the half, right? I was very impressed by that given that he was a seven foot basketball player. I wonder what sort of times NBA guys would put up today for those events.

Edit: oh I see, you did post that.

[dankok8]

10.00 seconds for a 100 yard dash? That's insane considering that would make him run 100 metres in well under 11 seconds. I mean I don't want to say I don't believe that but it's just so incomprehensible. Back in the mid 60's some of the greatest sprinters in the Olympics ran around 10.5 seconds in the 100 metre race. The world record was around the 10 second mark if I'm not mistaken.

[CavaliersFTW]

Wilt ran a 1:58 in the half, right? I was very impressed by that given that he was a seven foot basketball player. I wonder what sort of times NBA guys would put up today for those events.
All of his Track and Field numbers are impressive. The variety of things he did at a level that was at the very least, trainable to become competitive at a high level if it wasn't already so. Everything from his throwing events to his sprints, to his middle distance to jumping events.

He's officially the 1953 and 1955 Philadelphia city-league high jump champ, as well as the 1955 city-league shot put champ. And he went on to be the Big-7 outdoor high jump champ at KU (while placing as high as 3rd in triple jump meets), and was also the big-eight indoor high-jump champ setting the KU indoor record. His footraces he never trained for, just ran them as a freshman and messing around. They wouldn't have "won" any meets, but the fact that he ran those times without training for them is crazy. I've tracked down the newspapers for just about all of the numbers so it isn't just hear-say anymore.

[LAZERUSS]

10.00 seconds for a 100 yard dash? That's insane considering that would make him run 100 metres in well under 11 seconds. I mean I don't want to say I don't believe that but it's just so incomprehensible. Back in the mid 60's some of the greatest sprinters in the Olympics ran around 10.5 seconds in the 100 metre race. The world record was around the 10 second mark if I'm not mistaken.

I have read about a 10.9 100 in his high school. But a 10.0 100 was not close to the record at that time. Still excellent, but far from the 9.1 that Hayes had put up. BTW, a 10 sec 100 yards would likely translate to about 11.0+ in the 100 meters. Sprinters actually slow down in the 100 meters. I have read somewhere where they claim that the guy who slows down the least usually wins.

[CavaliersFTW]

I have read about a 10.9 100 in his high school. But a 10.0 100 was not close to the record at that time. Still excellent, but far from the 9.1 that Hayes had put up. BTW, a 10 sec 100 yards would likely translate to about 11.0+ in the 100 meters. Sprinters actually slow down in the 100 meters. I have read somewhere where they claim that the guy who slows down the least usually wins.
Guys with short legs might slow down in the 100 meters, I'm not sure if that's true actually, or if it'd be more accurate to state they just stop gaining speed. But traditionally, 100 meter sprinters are about 5-10 to 6-3.

Guys with long legs, like Usain Bolt, do not they are moving their absolute fastest and pulling past runners the last 40 meters. Chamberlain, most definitely qualifies as long legged. That's why his 220 and 440 time I think is relatively speaking, slightly more impressive.

Also, we've no idea if Wilt (or Cunningham, Havlicek, and Archibald for that matter) ran those on a cinder track/s or rubberized tracks. Rubberized tracks make cinder track times almost pointless to compare, because rubberized tracks are such a great improvement over cinder tracks.

[LAZERUSS]

Guys with short legs slow down in the 100 meters. Traditionally, 100 meter sprinters are about 5-10 to 6-3.

Guys with long legs, like Usain Bolt, do not they are moving their absolute fastest the last 40 meters. Chamberlain, most definitely qualifies as long legged. That's why his 220 and 440 time is relatively speaking, slightly more impressive.

Also, we've no idea if Wilt (or Cunningham, Havlicek, and Archibald for that matter) ran those on a cinder track/s or rubberized tracks. Rubberized tracks make cinder track times almost pointless to compare, because rubberized tracks are such a great improvement over cinder tracks.

Agreed on the last part. I remember reading an article on Bob Hayes' sprints in the '64 Olympics...with a pair of borrowed shoes, and on a track that resembled a plowed field.

[dankok8]

Runners most certainly don't slow down much in the 100 m race. In fact if you compare World Records for the 100 m (9.58 s) and 200 m (19.19 s) races you'll find that the runner's average speed is about the same for both races. The initial acceleration phase (the first 20 or 30 m) really hurts the time. Afterwards the runners barely slow down from their full speed even down the stretch of a 200m race.

A guy who runs 100 yards (91.44m) in 10.00 seconds will easily run under 11 seconds for 100 m. At the end of the race sprinters easily run at 42+ km/h which is 12+ m/s. That would make Wilt's time for 100 m about 10.7 seconds which is just bat shit insane. The World record back then was 10.1 seconds and Olympics sprinters were running ~10.5...

[LAZERUSS]

Runners most certainly don't slow down much in the 100 m race. In fact if you compare World Records for the 100 m (9.58 s) and 200 m (19.19 s) races you'll find that the runner's average speed is about the same for both races. The initial acceleration phase (the first 20 or 30 m) really hurts the time. Afterwards the runners barely slow down from their full speed even down the stretch of a 200m race.

A guy who runs 100 yards (91.44m) in 10.00 seconds will easily run under 11 seconds for 100 m. At the end of the race sprinters easily run at 42+ km/h which is 12+ m/s. That would make Wilt's time for 100 m about 10.7 seconds which is just bat shit insane. The World record back then was 10.1 seconds and Olympics sprinters were running ~10.5...

Not sure on that...

Hayes ran a legal 9.1 100 yards in 1964, and then a wind-aided 9.91 100 meters in the Olympics. In 1968 Jim Hines set the 100 meter record with a 9.95.

[dankok8]

Not sure on that...

Hayes ran a legal 9.1 100 yards in 1964, and then a wind-aided 9.91 100 meters in the Olympics. In 1968 Jim Hines set the 100 meter record with a 9.95.

Isn't Wilt's track and field time from his early days in Kansas though? Circa 1957 or so. Back then the World record was 10.1 seconds.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Men%27s_100_metres_world_record_progression

[CavaliersFTW]

Runners most certainly don't slow down much in the 100 m race. In fact if you compare World Records for the 100 m (9.58 s) and 200 m (19.19 s) races you'll find that the runner's average speed is about the same for both races. The initial acceleration phase (the first 20 or 30 m) really hurts the time. Afterwards the runners barely slow down from their full speed even down the stretch of a 200m race.

A guy who runs 100 yards (91.44m) in 10.00 seconds will easily run under 11 seconds for 100 m. At the end of the race sprinters easily run at 42+ km/h which is 12+ m/s. That would make Wilt's time for 100 m about 10.7 seconds which is just bat shit insane. The World record back then was 10.1 seconds and Olympics sprinters were running ~10.5...
Bat shit insane but for the rest of his numbers thrown around, it would only make sense. The rest of his running numbers are all pretty bat shit insane for what his KU teammates/coaches describe as a guy who basically would just spend his days of Track and Field practice messing around with other events after his High Jump sessions. Guys who are specialized physical specimens, training for several years in their disciplines, like Pete Orr for example, pulled a 47.1 440 at KU Relays that year. Wilt, never training for it at all strides it in practice (that's a painful distance to run to begin with, I ALWAYS puked running the similar but slightly shorter 400 meter) pulls a ****ing 48.9.

If I was a specialized athlete who trained for several years straight, and saw some giant man a foot taller than me run it in nearly the same time without training, I'd be dumbfounded.

That's a race about 18 feet longer than a 400 meter. I watched guys in districts Track and Field throughout high school who cracked 50, they were all fast as ****, and they ran it in spikes and speed suits on rubberized tracks and most went on to run for some colleges after high school. That's rarified speed to be gifted with, regardless of being 7 feet tall.

[CavaliersFTW]

Isn't Wilt's track and field time from his early days in Kansas though? Circa 1957 or so. Back then the World record was 10.1 seconds.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Men%27s_100_metres_world_record_progression
Correct.

But the 100 meters is not the same as the 100 yard dash, the 100 yard dash is shorter Wilt's 10 flat is his alleged 100 yard time.

[CavaliersFTW]

If any of you ran Track or are familiar with it, you might find it interesting that Wilt won his two Philadelphia city-league high jump titles without running before his jumps.

He stood next to the bar, took a half step, then cleared the roughly 6 feet 2 inches or w/e his highschool winning figures were at the time.

His KU form wasn't much better, there's an article detailing how his 3 stride approach is pretty much the shortest any competitor of the time was using before their leap, and by quite a startling margin. He was high jumping big-seven/big-eight competitive heights (good enough to have placed 5th in the 1956 Olympics actually), with very crude techniques. Actually, the same article states he was even clearing 6-8 and 1/2 with this short-run-up method had his trail leg not kept raking the bar at Drake Relays, which I have on film.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-bXPsxxp8qfU/VSCWiJLxDLI/AAAAAAAAF-4/PQKEtqLDjp0/s0/Wilt%2520Track%2520and%2520Field%2520KU%25201957%2 520Summary%2520and%2520Jump%2520technique%2520clea rs%25206-8%2520and%25201-2.jpg

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-PgetN3GWknk/VSCXWCGMjpI/AAAAAAAAF_I/x17eUKUpT-M/s800/wilt%2520HJ%2520HS.jpg

[L.Kizzle]

Elgin Baylor vert reach.

[CavaliersFTW]

Elgin Baylor vert reach.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-bGaOOY_thOk/VRuNuzyWRnI/AAAAAAAAF5A/s12jx74X8E4/s0/Baylor%252022%2520inches%2520above%2520rim%2520230 lbs.jpg

[Marchesk]

Elgin Baylor vert reach.

As a comparasion, Cavs do you have Wade's max vert reach?

[LAZERUSS]

Isn't Wilt's track and field time from his early days in Kansas though? Circa 1957 or so. Back then the World record was 10.1 seconds.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Men%27s_100_metres_world_record_progression

The 100 yard record at that time was 9.3.

[CavaliersFTW]

As a comparasion, Cavs do you have Wade's max vert reach?
http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/dwyane-wade-4726/

As a rookie, as documented by draftexpress Wade was recorded to touch 17 inches above the rim for comparison. Or 11 feet 5 inches.

However, I think it should be noted he's over an inch shorter, and Wade's athleticism seems like Westbrook's or Dwight Howard's in my eyes, in that it appears to have gone up after his rookie season. Be it HGH, or a just a good physical trainer (or both) who knows, but I'd suspect that number went at least a little bit higher after his rookie season.

[LAZERUSS]

As a side-note...Wilt attended a Kansas City Chiefs tryout in 1965. He was 27 years old, and weighed about 290 at that time. He was clocked by Hank Stram with a 4.6 40 time.

Now, Chamberlain himself, claimed that at his peak, he ran a 4.4 40. Given what we know...that easily seems possible.

[CavaliersFTW]

As a side-note...Wilt attended a Kansas City Chiefs tryout in 1965. He was 27 years old, and weighed about 290 at that time. He was clocked by Hank Stram with a 4.6 40 time.

Now, Chamberlain himself, claimed that at his peak, he ran a 4.4 40. Given what we know...that easily seems possible.
Yes, those times are included in the excel chart in the OP

The only thing I didn't put is his triple jump and shot put track and field numbers because I figure there's no chance any other NBA athlete has ever done those events.

Things like 40 times and 100 times however can be compared with at least one other player or athletes of other sports to give a good indication of speed and so are included.

[navy]

As a side-note...Wilt attended a Kansas City Chiefs tryout in 1965. He was 27 years old, and weighed about 290 at that time. He was clocked by Hank Stram with a 4.6 40 time.

Now, Chamberlain himself, claimed that at his peak, he ran a 4.4 40. Given what we know...that easily seems possible.
Hmmm....Wilt is kinda tall, might take him a bit to reach top speed like it does Usain Bolt.

[CavaliersFTW]

If Baylor's reach figure (stemming from his NCAA years, ~age 22 to 23 in his athletic prime) is any sort of accurate, it would be the same reach as Michael Carter Williams recorded in the draft.

Williams is cited with a high 40+ vertical leap, however he only has a 6-7 and 1/4 armspan I would guess though I have no way of knowing Baylor likely had a greater arm span more in the 6-10 to 6-11 and change range like superstars like Jordan, Kobe have got, and also a greater standing reach.

[CavaliersFTW]

*EDIT* According to these links, NBA players MANY NBA players also participated over the course of a few years:
http://www.thesuperstars.org/comp/74pr1.html
http://www.thesuperstars.org/comp/73final.html
http://www.thesuperstars.org/comp/75final.html
http://www.thesuperstars.org/comp/76final.html
http://www.thesuperstars.org/comp/81final.html
http://www.thesuperstars.org/comp/81world.html
http://www.thesuperstars.org/comp/75pr1.html
http://www.thesuperstars.org/comp/76pr1.html
http://www.thesuperstars.org/comp/76pr2.html
http://www.thesuperstars.org/comp/77pr3.html
http://www.thesuperstars.org/athletes/smithphil.html
http://www.thesuperstars.org/athletes/barry.html
http://www.thesuperstars.org/athletes/bing.html
http://www.thesuperstars.org/athletes/dantley.html
http://www.thesuperstars.org/athletes/havlicek.html
http://www.thesuperstars.org/athletes/mcginnis.html
http://www.thesuperstars.org/athletes/silas.html

100 yard dash (note, not the same as modern Olympics 100 meter race, slightly shorter):

10.00 Wilt Chamberlain
10.89 George McGinnis
11.15 Dave Bing
11.27 Bill Cunningham
11.30 Dave Cowens
11.36 Nate Archibald
11.38 Chet Walker
11.40 Rick Barry
11.45 Jim McMillan
11.50 Elvin Hayes
11.54 Phil Smith
11.62 John Havlicek
11.77 Phil Chenier
12.40 Adrian Dantley
12.60 Paul Silas


880 yard/half mile race (note, not the same as modern Olympics 800 meter race, slightly longer):

1:58.3 Wilt Chamberlain
2:14.9 Dave Bing
2:16.5 Jim McMillan
2:16.8 John Havlicek
2:18.7 Phil Smith
2:21.2 Nate Archibald
2:24.6 Phil Chenier
2:25.3 Dave DeBusschere
2:26.3 Dave Cowens
2:30.0 Elvin Hayes
2:32.9 Pete Maravich
2:41.9 Bill Cunningham

Chamberlain, as a runner, is just in a different class altogether than at least that small group of NBA players. And some of those guys like Archibald are less than half his size.

[LAZERUSS]

Whether Wilt approached track records, or not, there is no question that he was the greatest pure athlete to ever play in a major professional team sport...with only Bo being able to give him a run.

And he was clearly the greatest athlete, and the strongest man to have ever played in the NBA.

[CavaliersFTW]

https://youtu.be/qTKDDTI36yE?t=2m19s

Here's Elvin Hayes with his 11.5 time. It won him the race.

[3ball]

let me tell you something.. if that 440 time for wilt is accurate (48.9).. i'm completely blown away.

that's amazing for anyone, let alone someone that big.

[CavaliersFTW]

let me tell you something.. if that 440 time for wilt is accurate (48.9).. i'm completely blown away.

that's amazing for anyone, let alone someone that big.
All his Track and Field numbers are that of an elite class athlete, regardless of his size, considering his lack of training.

All of his numbers in every event he participated in are indicative of an athlete that, with discipline and focused training, could likely have competed at the absolute highest levels in the sport. He was pulling those numbers just striding around the Track at KU. That 440 for example, is a little over a second slower than the guy who won first place at the KU Relays.

When you actually train and condition for a 440, seconds can quickly fly off your initial practice/messing around times. Guys on my HS Track team would go from 57 seconds striding a 400 to 51 and 52 seconds after a season of training. If Wilt's 48.9 was a trained number, he'd be world class.

It's the same with all his Track and Field numbers, they're all extremely close to World Class figures without any initial training outside of messing around on a Track. Compare his times with the rest of the NBA athletes that were competing in those 100 yard and half mile races and it's easy to see why everyone was so blown away with Wilt's athleticism. And he's a giant on top of that, it's just freakish.

[3ball]

All his Track and Field numbers are that of an elite class athlete, regardless of his size, considering his lack of training.

All of his numbers in every event he participated in are indicative of an athlete that, with training, could likely compete at the absolute highest levels in the sport. He was pulling those numbers just striding around the Track at KU. That 440 for example, is a little over a second slower than the guy who won first place at the KU Relays.

When you actually train and condition for a 440, seconds can quickly fly off your initial practice/messing around times.

It's the same with all his Track and Field numbers, they're all alarmingly close to World Class. Compare his times with the rest of the NBA athletes that were competing and it's easy to see why everyone was so blown away with Wilt's athleticism. And he's a giant.
i'm blown away.. i've always been blown away just by the eye test, but to look at his track and field results are truly remarkable.. he is the GOAT

i used to run the 400, but i won't mention my time because it was that bad.. :oldlol:

[LAZERUSS]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B22U73v7kAA

[Psileas]

Also thought I'd point out I came across an article that states Wilt's playing weight throughout the 1965 season was 301lbs, up from his 292lbs the previous season (that previous season he also reported to training camp at 320lbs). It is mentioned he trimmed back down at least at the beginning of the 1966 season to 275. This is all well before his Lakers years. I hope there is not much doubt anymore as to how heavy Chamberlain generally played at, even early in his career. He was like Shaq, or LeBron in the sense that his listed weights (250 as a rookie, 275 for the rest of his career after about 3 seasons) were almost always low-balling his actual weight.

It also says that he weighed less than in any of his last 5 seasons. So, even if this 5th season is the 1966 one, this means he was at 275+ from 1962 and on.

[L.Kizzle]

https://youtu.be/qTKDDTI36yE?t=2m19s

Here's Elvin Hayes with his 11.5 time. It won him the race.
Did I hear Joe Frazier name? And did he come in last?

[dankok8]

@CavsFTW

I don't think you read my post where I broke down the 100 m race and why Wilt's result is incomprehensible.

As for the 440 yard race (works out to 402.3 m) 48.9 seconds is again so ridiculous. For a 400 m race his time would work out to about 48.7 seconds. The World Record at the time was 45.2 seconds and most Olympic runners would produce times right around Wilt's.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Athletics_at_the_1956_Summer_Olympics_%E2%80%93_Me n%27s_400_metres

...a Wilt that had no formal training in running.

In the 100 m race going with a reasonable estimate that Wilt would run 10.7 seconds (extrapolate his 10 second run of the 91.44 m race)... That would make him challenge for the podium at the 1956 Olympics! Heck he would win a few of the heats.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Athletics_at_the_1956_Summer_Olympics_%E2%80%93_Me n%27s_100_metres

Sorry I don't buy that Wilt without training could get times in both the 100 m and 400 m races that World Class Olympic athletes were getting. I don't like to question your research but these numbers are just a bit too unreal to take at face value. :eek:

[LAZERUSS]

@CavsFTW

I don't think you read my post where I broke down the 100 m race and why Wilt's result is incomprehensible.

As for the 440 yard race (works out to 402.3 m) 48.9 seconds is again so ridiculous. For a 400 m race his time would work out to about 48.7 seconds. The World Record at the time was 45.2 seconds and most Olympic runners would produce times right around Wilt's.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Athletics_at_the_1956_Summer_Olympics_%E2%80%93_Me n%27s_400_metres

...a Wilt that had no formal training in running.

In the 100 m race going with a reasonable estimate that Wilt would run 10.7 seconds (extrapolate his 10 second run of the 91.44 m race)... That would make him challenge for the podium at the 1956 Olympics! Heck he would win a few of the heats.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Athletics_at_the_1956_Summer_Olympics_%E2%80%93_Me n%27s_100_metres

Sorry I don't buy that Wilt without training could get times in both the 100 m and 400 m races that World Class Olympic athletes were getting. I don't like to question your research but these numbers are just a bit too unreal to take at face value. :eek:

Bob Hayes fastest 100 yard dash time was 9.1. His fastest legit 100 meter time was 10.0 (his fastest wind-aided time was 9.91.) Granted, the track conditions were deplorable. But my point is, that a Wilt running a 10.0 100 yards means he doesn't run a 10.7 100 meters. At best...a 10.9, and I doubt even that.

BTW, Chamberlain was a member of KU's 4x100 yard relay team, so he definitely had sprinter's speed.

And his 440 yard times were recorded.

[CavaliersFTW]

@CavsFTW

I don't think you read my post where I broke down the 100 m race and why Wilt's result is incomprehensible.

As for the 440 yard race (works out to 402.3 m) 48.9 seconds is again so ridiculous. For a 400 m race his time would work out to about 48.7 seconds. The World Record at the time was 45.2 seconds and most Olympic runners would produce times right around Wilt's.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Athletics_at_the_1956_Summer_Olympics_%E2%80%93_Me n%27s_400_metres

...a Wilt that had no formal training in running.

In the 100 m race going with a reasonable estimate that Wilt would run 10.7 seconds (extrapolate his 10 second run of the 91.44 m race)... That would make him challenge for the podium at the 1956 Olympics! Heck he would win a few of the heats.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Athletics_at_the_1956_Summer_Olympics_%E2%80%93_Me n%27s_100_metres

Sorry I don't buy that Wilt without training could get times in both the 100 m and 400 m races that World Class Olympic athletes were getting. I don't like to question your research but these numbers are just a bit too unreal to take at face value. :eek:
You don't have to buy anything I'm no salesmen.

But pretty much every single article I come across from that time period is consistent about this.

It's testimonial, that at times is described in detail. Much like when Arnold, or players who played against Wilt testify to Wilt's strength. And isn't just coming from random people, it's his actual people he ran with at KU, and HOF football players/coaches like Hank Stram or Jim Brown. Watch some of Wilt's documentaries, people who were on his Track team or involved with it describe in person how he'd just stride 440's and half miles nearly as fast as the guys who disciplined those races on their team. He ran foot races against Jim Brown. He was timed with a 4.6 40 barefooted in dress pants at a weight of 290lbs and 28 years of age by Hank Stram. Stram was in total awe of it, he mentioned one of the faster guys in the league (or something along those lines) runs a slower 4.7.

Honestly, the body of evidence points that he really was that good at running. If you've got a 4.6 40 at age 28, 290lbs without shoes on, and what he claimed was a 4.4 40 as a 230lb 19 or 20 year old (which would seem plausible given the 4.6 number timed by Stram) than you very likely run faster than a 10.7 100 yard as a Track and Field runner. It's very impressive, but it's not physically impossible I had a Track and Field teammate who ran a 10.9 100m which is longer than a 100 yard. And was not the class of athlete Wilt was just looking at him.

I already compared his times to people running 440's at KU, he's slower than them. 48.9 is slower than them by over a second the guy that won the KU Relays ran the 440 in 47.1 It's not like Wilt was beating these people at KU, he competed as a high jumper and a triple jumper. Not as a runner, though most of the people think he could have competed as a runner had he been pushed to do so, or wanted to.

You don't have to believe it. But I'm pretty sure that's just the way it was, as that's exactly how it is described, and those numbers are very specific and plausible given all the other incredible things he was described as doing. An incredible all around athlete, that excelled in not just basketball but also Track and Field.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-DICg2WiD3vg/VSHW0YvSTqI/AAAAAAAAGAQ/-zLGAAb5evY/s0/Details%2520of%2520Wilts%2520track%2520and%2520fie ld%2520exploits%25201964.jpg

[OldSchoolBBall]

I have repeatedly heard that Michael Jordan participated in some sort of TV sports show which pitted athletes from various sports against each other, and he supposedly ran a 4.3 sec 40-yard dash on that show. This was the late 80's or very early 90's iirc. Never been able to verify that, but I've seen it mentioned in some articles over the years.

EDIT: I forget the name of the show, but I did see it when I was younger (not when MJ was on it, but other episodes of it). Herschel Walker used to be on it pretty frequently - I wish I could recall the name of the show.