800 metres, Men

In this event, the heavy favorite was Mel Sheppard of the United States, who had won the AAU Championship in 1906-08. He also won the American Eastern Olympic trial in 1:54.0, challenging the long-standing world record of 1:53.4 for 880 yards, set by Charles Kilpatrick at New York, on 21 September 1895.

The eight heats were all won in modest times but, in the final, Sheppard posted a new world record of 1:52.8. It is, however, probable that Kilpatrick had passed the 800 metres mark in a slightly faster time when he set his world record. In anticipation of a fast Olympic final, a tape was also placed at 880 yards, which Sheppard reached in 1:54.0. After 400 metre splits of 53.0 and 59.8, it is evident that Sheppard was slowing considerably towards the end of the race, but even so, a differential of 1.2 seconds to cover the additional 4.68 metres between 800 metres and 880 yards seems unrealistic. Having won the 1,500 metres seven days earlier, Sheppard completed a notable middle-distance double.

Melvin Sheppard would eventually win four gold medals in middle-distance running at the Olympics. In 1908, he won the 800, 1,500, and ran on the medley relay team, anchoring the 800 metre leg. In 1912, he also ran on the 4 x 400 metre relay. He eventually won five AAU titles over two laps – 1906-08, and 1911-12 –, and three Canadian titles – 1906, 1911-12.