At the end of 1975 Pascoe was the world’s number one, and Moses was
an unknown with a best of 51.7. With Akii-Bua derailed because of the
African boycott, Moses was the favourite after running a US record
48.30 in the US Trials. Moses was the only man under 50 seconds in
the heats (49.95), and then imposed himself on the field in the semis,
powering to the third fastest time ever - 48.29 - winning by more than
10m from Gavrilenko. Pascoe, not in world-beating shape after injury,
took fourth in 49.95 ahead of French veteran Jean-Claude Nallet
(50.06). Slowest qualifier was NCAA champion Wheeler.
Only Pascoe attempted to match Moses in the final, and he did so to
the fifth hurdle. Taking 13 strides between the hurdles all the way, the
20 year-old American devastated the opposition and came home to
clock the first world record of his career, and the first of his 45 races
under 48 seconds.
United States
Soviet Union
Portugal
Bulgaria
Cuba
Great Britain
France
Greece
West Germany
Poland
Puerto Rico
Australia
Kuwait
Saudi Arabia
Colombia
