Who was the white 400 Sprinter in the 90s?

[Fightingtowin]

I remember reading a story about a white 400 sprinter from the 90s (maybe read it on this site). He explained that as soon as "experts" saw that he had talent, they were encouraging him to switch to the 800 or 1600 because he would never be able to compete against the top sprinters (black sprinters, of course). He stuck with the 400, but said he let it affect him and it wasn't until his late 20s where he thought, "why am I listening to these people," and started working harder. He went on to even beat Michael Johnson once.

He further explained that he works with kids a lot, but almost exclusively black kids because white youth already believe they'll never make it, regardless of their talent.

Thanks!

 

[white is right]

Probably it was Kevin Little who was really a 200 meter specialist who dabbled in the 400 meters and 100 meters. I think until Wariner came along he was the fastest White American over 400 meters.

 

[GiovaniMarcon]

I'd say Iwan Thomas, for my guess.

 

[j41181]

I'd say Iwan Thomas, for my guess.

Could be, but I must say it's Kevin Little...

He won the 200 meter gold in the 1997 World Indoors Championships in Paris, France.

He also won bronze (200 meters also) in the 1999 World Indoors Championships in Maebashi, Japan.

Andrew Rock was also a decent white sprinter... he won Olympic gold (2004 Athens) in the 4 x 400 meter relay, gold (4 x 400 relay also) in Helsinki (2005 Worlds Championship), and silver in the 400 meters behind Wariner.

 

[Jimmy Chitwood]

i don't recall Little ever running the 400. of course, i'm no expert and certainly no historian.

i'm sure one of the more knowledgable men (white lightning, sport historian, master multi, or the like) will know the answer when they check out the thread.

 

[white lightning]

It would be Kevin Little for sure. He was even featured in the S.I. Article many years back, "What Happened to the White Athlete"? The guy was a world champion and had one hell of a great career. It's a shame he didn't inspire a few more kids back in the 80's to 90's. The guy is a legend though and was one of the best sprinters ever as far as being very good overall from 100-400 meters.

 

[ToughJ.Riggins]

Amazing how white pro 400 meter sprinters were almost extinct in the 90s, before Wariner made people realize whites can be the very best at this distance. This is typical American caste propaganda at work. It's the DWFs, media, NCAA recruiters and track coaches all disregarding white talent in favor of blacks based solely on skin colour due to the cliquishness of blacks, affirmative action, stereotyping and white self loathing or jealousy.

 

[mastermulti]

I'm assuming we mean U.S. 400 metre man. Iwan Thomas would not have had to make that decision in a little place like Wales. When you run multiple sub 45s you're safe from interference from the shepherding police.

Does sound like Kevin Little who was top class in all three sprint distances (10.14, 20.10, 45.8)but was at his best as a tight curve 200 runner. He had a gold and three bronzes in the world indoor champs at this distance spanning 11 years.
Had to laugh at a remark by him in an interview when asked if when running against African-Americans who dominate he felt intimidated. He replied something along the line that the black guys that lined up beside him at the blocks were often intimidated.

They knew that only the very upper echelon of sprinters anywhere could be sure of taking him. Those hopeful souls running 10.50-10.60s were going to get a hiding from the white boy.Edited by: mastermulti