All records exist to be broken
SONG JI-HOONThe author is a sports news writer of the JoongAng Ilbo.
Marathon is a sport that has developed by challenging the limits of humans. It is an event that embodies the spirit of the ancient Olympics that advocates “a healthy body and a healthy mind.” The sport was included from the first modern Olympics in 1896.
Marathon became the “flower of the Olympics,” with the story of the Greek messenger who ran through the plain of Marathon to deliver the news of victory against the Persian army.
The current official distance — 42.195 kilometers (26.2 miles) — was first applied in the 1908 London Olympics. The first record was 2 hours and 55 minutes, and over 110 years, it has shortened to 2 hours and 1 minute. The limit of humans, or the “unbreakable wall,” changed over time.
In the early 20th century, it was considered almost a scientific knowledge that the fastest possible time by humans in marathon was 2 hours and 30 minutes. This convention was broken by Korean runner Sohn Kee-chung at the Berlin Olympics with a record of 2 hours 29 minutes 12.2 seconds.
The “unbreakable wall” was lowered to 2 hours and 10 minutes, and now to 2 hours. The current world record of 2 hours 1 minute and 9 seconds was set by Eliud Kipchoge of Kenya at the Berlin Marathon last September.
The so-called “Sub 2,” or running the full marathon within two hours, is the common challenge for the global sports community beyond marathon itself. Not only the runners but also doctors, scientists and the sporting goods industry are working hard to find the most optimal running method, physical fitness management methods, food and medicine, and equipment such as shoes.
In 2019, a special experiment was conducted for “Sub 2.” Seven-member pacemakers were placed around Kipchoge to minimize wind resistance and displayed the speed deserving the 2-hour finish with a laser pointer. The result was amazing. Kipchoge set the record of 1 hour 59 minutes 40 seconds.
While it was not recognized as an official record due to its artificial setting, humans found the confidence that the two-hour barrier can be broken with their physical abilities alone.
Another good news came on Monday. Kelvin Kiptum of Kenya took a step closer to Sub 2. He finished the London Marathon in 2 hours 1 minute and 25 seconds. Kipchoge now has a great rival in the lonely challenge. All records in the world exist to be broken. The goal mankind wishes to achieve is just around the corner.
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
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