Why is lane 3 considered a bad lane in sprinting?

Question

Why is lane 3 considered a bad lane in sprinting?

Answer 1

I am curious also. They keep mentioning in the Olympics that lane 3 and lane 8 are bad lanes, WHY?

Answer 2

Having been in seeding meeting I am aware that the fastest lane for the 100 meters is the middle lane.  Assuming that we are competing on a 10 lane track that means that the athlete with the fastest time would be given lane 5 usually one lane is not used, this is usually lane 1 or 10. Lane 4 and 6 would have the next two fastest sprinters and so forth as you move out to the sides. Sprinter in the outside lanes are not as likely to be pulled to a faster time as if they had been next top lane 5.    

Lanes three is not really considered to be a disadvantage it is just not as good as the middle lane. This is because the athletes are able to see both side of track without moving their head.  Being assigned to an outside lane can be psychologically disturbing to some sprinter. But it just depends on the athlete ability to handle the fact that they were assigned an outside lane.  They will have to get a clean start and out with (or before the rest of the field and then really work the whole race without being pulled by anyone.

Answer 3

From personal experience, i know that lane 8 is tricky, it plays with your mind. You think your doing well, then all of the sudden people are right on your heels. Naturally, it shakes a racer's confidence to feel the opponent catching up to them, even if it is only because of the design of the track.

Answer 4

well. I'm not really sure myself

it may probably be unlucky?

then again, lane 1 and 10 (9 or 8) depending on which is the outermost lane, are near to the edge of the track.. and lane 1 is usually beside a field... so the runner might get distracted..

i won't really know

i'm a distance runner.

lane 1 and 2 are my buddies.