Set for the Semis
by Ruth Frantz
After cruising to a win in the preliminaries of the 400 meters, LaShawn is more than ready to suit up for the semifinals, which take place on Tuesday.
"I'm ready. Time to go. We're here. It's the Olympic Games. It's time for a showdown--a throwdown."
As reported by the Associated Press, LaShawn and top rival Jeremy Wariner were among the top finishers in the opening round.
Reigning Olympic and world champion Jeremy Wariner and rival LaShawn Merritt easily qualified for the Summer Games' 400-meter semifinals Sunday night.
Both built big leads and jogged home to win their respective heats. Wariner won the last of seven heats in 45.23 seconds, while Merritt led the fifth heat in 44.96.
MUTUAL RESPECT
So far, through the racing, the pressure of the Olympics, and battling Wariner, the reigning Olympic champion, LaShawn has been the embodiment of a good sportsman while still eagerly gunning for victory.
"The respect is there. We know each other's talent. I know he's (Wariner) a great athlete. He knows I'm coming. He knows I'm great. Neither of us are poor sportsmen and both of us are American, so love and respect is there."
Wariner, for his part, continues to deflect questions about his top competition.
"That's not on my mind right now."
RELATED LINKS
Merritt tracking Wariner in potential 400m showdown (Dallas Morning News, August 18th, 2008)
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/stories/081808dnspoolytr...
Wariner, Merritt sail into 400 semifinals (Associated Press, August 17th, 2008)
http://hamptonroads.com/2008/08/lashawn-merritt-begins-drive-bring-home-...
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