1987 European Athletics Indoor Championships – Men’s 800 metres – Knowipedia

**1987 European Athletics Indoor Championships – Men’s 800 Metres**

**Definition**
The men’s 800 metres event at the 1987 European Athletics Indoor Championships was a middle-distance track competition held over several rounds, culminating in a final race to determine the European indoor champion in the 800 metres discipline.

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# 1987 European Athletics Indoor Championships – Men’s 800 Metres

The men’s 800 metres at the 1987 European Athletics Indoor Championships was a key middle-distance event held in Liévin, France. The competition featured Europe’s top indoor 800 metres runners competing over multiple rounds, including heats, semifinals, and a final. The event showcased tactical racing, speed, and endurance, culminating in a closely contested final that determined the European indoor champion for 1987.

## Background

The European Athletics Indoor Championships is a biennial indoor track and field competition organized by the European Athletic Association. The 1987 edition took place from February 21 to 22 in Liévin, France. The men’s 800 metres is traditionally one of the most exciting middle-distance events, combining elements of speed and strategy over two laps of a standard 400-metre indoor track.

Indoor 800 metres races differ from outdoor events primarily due to the shorter track length (typically 200 metres per lap), tighter curves, and often more tactical racing due to the confined space and increased number of laps. The 1987 championships attracted many of Europe’s leading middle-distance runners, many of whom had also competed in outdoor events during the previous summer season.

## Venue

The 1987 European Athletics Indoor Championships were held at the Stade Couvert Régional in Liévin, a city in northern France. The indoor arena featured a 200-metre banked track, which is standard for indoor competitions, and seating for thousands of spectators. The venue was known for its fast track surface and enthusiastic crowd, providing an excellent atmosphere for the athletes.

## Competition Format

The men’s 800 metres event was conducted over three stages:

– **Heats:** Initial qualifying rounds where athletes competed to secure a place in the semifinals.
– **Semifinals:** Intermediate rounds to determine the finalists.
– **Final:** The medal-deciding race.

The progression criteria were based on finishing positions and times, with the fastest athletes advancing through each round.

### Heats

The heats were designed to reduce the field to a manageable number for the semifinals. Typically, the first two or three finishers in each heat, along with the fastest remaining athletes across all heats, qualified for the next round.

### Semifinals

The semifinals further narrowed the field to the top competitors who would contest the final. The qualification rules usually involved the first two or three finishers in each semifinal heat advancing to the final.

### Final

The final race featured the top qualifiers from the semifinals competing for the medals. The race was contested over four laps of the 200-metre indoor track, with athletes employing various tactics to secure victory.

## Participants

The men’s 800 metres event attracted a strong field of European middle-distance runners. Many athletes had established reputations on the indoor and outdoor circuits, including national champions and previous European or world championship competitors.

Notable participants included:

– **Tom McKean (Great Britain):** A leading British middle-distance runner known for his strong finishing kick and tactical acumen.
– **Jürgen Straub (East Germany):** An experienced competitor with a history of success in middle-distance events.
– **Andrey Fedoriv (Soviet Union):** A prominent Soviet middle-distance runner with a strong indoor record.
– **Other contenders** from countries such as France, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands also participated, reflecting the depth of European middle-distance talent.

## Results

### Heats

The heats were held on the first day of competition. Athletes aimed to secure automatic qualification by finishing in the top positions of their respective heats or by posting one of the fastest times among non-automatic qualifiers.

The heats were characterized by cautious pacing, with many runners conserving energy for the later rounds. However, some athletes pushed the pace to ensure qualification without relying on time-based advancement.

### Semifinals

The semifinals took place later on the first day or early on the second day, depending on the schedule. The competition intensified as athletes sought to secure a place in the final.

Tactical racing was evident, with some runners taking the lead early to control the pace, while others stayed in the pack, waiting to unleash their finishing speed in the final lap.

### Final

The final was held on the last day of the championships. The race was a tightly contested battle among the top qualifiers.

The race unfolded with a moderate pace in the early laps, as athletes jostled for position on the tight indoor track. In the final lap, the pace quickened dramatically, with several runners making decisive moves.

Tom McKean of Great Britain emerged as the winner, demonstrating a strong finishing kick to claim the gold medal. The silver and bronze medals were awarded to runners who finished closely behind, reflecting the competitive nature of the race.

## Medalists

*Note: Times are illustrative; actual recorded times may vary.*

## Analysis

The men’s 800 metres at the 1987 European Athletics Indoor Championships highlighted the importance of tactical awareness and physical conditioning in indoor middle-distance racing. The shorter track and tighter curves necessitated careful positioning and pacing strategies.

Tom McKean’s victory was a testament to his experience and ability to execute a well-timed finishing sprint. His performance contributed to Great Britain’s strong showing in middle-distance events during the 1980s.

The close finishing times among the medalists underscored the high level of competition and the narrow margins that often decide indoor middle-distance races.

## Legacy

The 1987 European Athletics Indoor Championships men’s 800 metres event remains a notable competition in the history of European indoor athletics. It exemplified the tactical complexity and excitement of indoor middle-distance racing.

Athletes who competed in this event often used their performances as a springboard for success in subsequent outdoor seasons and international competitions, including the World Championships and Olympic Games.

The event also contributed to the development of indoor athletics in Europe, promoting the sport’s popularity and encouraging the construction of indoor facilities across the continent.

## Conclusion

The men’s 800 metres at the 1987 European Athletics Indoor Championships was a compelling middle-distance event that showcased Europe’s top talent in indoor track racing. Through a series of heats, semifinals, and a thrilling final, the competition highlighted the blend of speed, endurance, and tactical skill required to succeed indoors. Tom McKean’s victory added to his distinguished career and remains a memorable moment in European indoor athletics history.

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**Meta Description:**
The men’s 800 metres at the 1987 European Athletics Indoor Championships featured Europe’s top middle-distance runners competing in Liévin, France, with Tom McKean winning the gold in a tactical and closely contested race.