Speed Events: The 40 yards and 400m.

The 40 yard dash is the premiere event at the NFL combine.  It is a measure of speed with some emphasis on quickness as the faster the start, the lower the time.  This event also is a measure of explosiveness, leg strength, flexibility and quickness.

In the Speed Strength Combine, there is no requirement for electronic timing.  The only requirements are as follows:

1)  minimal wind (no actual wind speed gauge is required)
2) performed on the football field from goal line to 40 yard line (turf or grass)
3) Any shoe you want to use.
4) Timing should be done by two different people simultaneously, and take the average.
5) Timer starts are first movement and ends when first body part crosses the 40 yard line.

You should take three attempts.

Obviously, these rules are self policed.  However, for those who are in the top 5% of overall scores, a video must be submitted via you tube (or other means) to be qualified and recognized.

Cheating really makes no sense since the objective of this competition is to find out how you compare to others and to see how fast you are.  Cheating hinders that objective and there is NO reward for the fastest 40.
The fastest 40 yard dash electronically timed was by Chris Johnson.  see here.

The 400m is similar.  This event is run on a track and is 1 lap on the inside lane.  Only one timer is required and time is to the nearest second.  Any shoe type (including spikes) is fine to wear.

This event tests speed, flexibility, anaerobic capacity, but also aerobic capacity.  This race is also a test of a competitors mental toughness, and conditioning.  This is not event you should attempt all out if you are not sure you are in good physical shape as it will stress the cardiovascular system to its absolute maximum.

The world record in this event is 43.18s held by Michael Johnson.  Times in the sub 45s area are absolutely mind boggling for those who do not run track.  So be prepared to see a significantly slower time for yourself.
Here is Michael Johnson in Atlanta.

Please post your times on the web enabled score sheet: