A Rematch Delayed
by Matt Martino
The world will have to wait a little longer to see LaShawn Merritt face off against his top rival, Jeremy Wariner. Without Wariner, who withdrew from competition on Monday, LaShawn dominated the 400-meter field at the Tsiklitiria Athens Grand Prix track meet.
 Athenian victory: 44.54. |
He posted a winning time of 44.54 seconds, the second-best time this year behind his own world lead of 44.50. The mark also set a new meet record.
"I didn't expect to run under 44.60 because I felt a little tired at the last meters. I will be ready in Berlin," LaShawn said.
"I wanted to run a little faster but I'll take the victory."
His competition wanted to run much faster, as LaShawn galloped past the field during the second half of the race. Runner-up David Neville of the U.S. was far behind, clocking 45.14.
Monday’s event was supposed to be highlighted by the 2008 Olympic champion lining-up with his rival and 2007 world champion, Jeremy Wariner. Wariner is the only competitor to run anywhere near LaShawn’s times, unfortunately, the matchup has yet to materialize this summer.
"Jeremy hasn't been racing much this year so I haven't been able to follow him closely," LaShawn said. "But I know he will be well prepared and very strong in Berlin. I've just got to concentrate on myself and be ready.
"Since Osaka two years ago I feel I have gotten much stronger both physically and mentally. I'm finishing races very well and my body is feeling great."
LaShawn is also concentrating on the world record:
"I think it can be broken," he said Michael Johnson's mark of 43.18. "I've come off a long season last year and I'm still running well this year. I'm still kind of young and the record is definitely one of my goals.”
LaShawn’s fastest time this season was 44.50 at the USA Outdoor Championships on June 27 and Baie Mahault on May 1.
RELATED STORIES
Merritt fires world championship warning to Wariner (Reuters, July 14, 2009)
http://in.reuters.com/article/worldOfSport/idINIndia-41011020090713?page...
Merritt, Campbell-Brown cruise to victory (AP, July 14, 2009)
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/olympics/2009-07-13-2240819847_x.htm
15.00m Triple Jump world lead for Savigne in Athens (IAAF.org, July 13 2009)
http://www.iaaf.org/GP09/news/kind=100/newsid=52049.html
News & Notes, Volume 9, Number 36 (USA Track & Field, July 13, 2009)
http://www.usatf.org/news/view.aspx?DUID=USATF_2009_07_13_15_18_49
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