Hey guys!
This time we'll be breaking down the way Wayde Van Niekerk broke the 400-meter world record in the Rio Olympics in 2016!
I made a previous video just showing this running form during that race.
However, let's dig a little deeper and analyze different aspects of his run.
Now, the first thing we will talk about this is breathing. Now, why start with breathing and not the way the arms and the legs?
Unlike the 100-meter sprint, where energy mostly comes from the
Anaerobic system, the 400 meter race requires a mix of the anaerobic system as well as the aerobic system.
Since the aerobic system requires oxygen to function,
breath technique is very
important in this race. As
you can see, Wayde demonstrates quick paced breathing throughout the race.
Utilizing this technique allows for improved ability to get the oxygen required for the aerobic system for
maximal running performance in the 400 meter race.
While we are looking at his breathing, let's take a closer
look at the positioning of his head. As you can see,
he keeps his head stabilized and in a neutral position throughout the entire race... until the end.
You can also compare how stable he keeps his head and neck compared to the other sprinters.
Keeping his head and neck stabilized, during this race prevents energy leakage to maximize energy output for every stride he makes.
Now, let's take a look at those legs and see how he really maximizes his speed for record breaking times!
People tend to pay more attention to the way the foot moves up and down,
but this time...
Let's take a look at the way it moves side to side. As you can see as his foot makes contact with the ground,
the inner side of the foot dips down. The foot movement that is occurring is known as pronation.
Foot pronation usually gets a bad rep as healthcare professionals have linked this to foot injury due to stress on the
ligaments in the foot.
However, in this race, he utilizes foot pronation to maximize propulsion in his legs.
When running the calves act as springs. When the foot pronates,
it actually allows for more ankle bending which loads these springs even more to allow for increased push off.
Over time,
excessive pronation could cause damage to the joint, but when trying to break a world record,
Most people would try to use everything they can to achieve this incredible feat!
Now, let's take a look at the knees. As you can see, Wayde has incredible new drive.
This comes from a combination of different components.
One of these components is the incredible amount of force coming from the propelling his feet off the ground.
Another is mobility as well as a strength from the hip flexors to really bring those legs forward. As I mentioned in a previous video,
great knee drive allows for the cyclic movement to occur, so it can quickly and efficiently
propel himself forward.
Now let's take a look at more of the positioning of the hips with the foot. As you can see, the foot lands almost right
under the hips. This position allows for efficient activation of the muscles in the hips to propel him forward
for maximal running performance with each stride! Overall,
he has incredible strength, form, and discipline. He's incredible runner as well as a great human being!
I look forward to seeing his future races. I hope you guys enjoyed the video!!!
Let me know what other runners I should analyze and as always thank you for watching!!!!!!!