The Stage Is Set
by Paul Kingston
LaShawn Merritt enters Thursday's 400m final at the IAAF World Championships with an eye on dethroning the reigning champion, Jeremy Wariner, just as he did at the Beijing Olympics last summer.
Icon's quarter-mile sensation qualified for the final with the fastest time run in the semis. Friday's race for world 400m supremacy is one of the most anticipated races in Berlin this year.
 LaShawn finished his semi heat in 44.37, the world's best time in 2009 (IAAF.org) |
As LaShawn explained, he feels very good about his chances.
Wariner of the United States looked very comfortable as he effortlessly won his semi in 44.69sec to book his spot in Friday's final.
But not to be outdone, his arch-rival, compatriot and Olympic champion Merritt blazed around the Berlin Olympic Stadium track in a world leader time of 44.37 secs to ensure the pair would go head-to-head again in the final.
"I feel good, that was a great race," said Merritt.
"I can't complain now I have a day off to get ready for Friday's final.
"Jeremy Wariner made the final and he is the main competitor, but there are six men in the final and I take them all seriously.
"Here in Berlin, the adrenalin is there: in a lot of races it has been missing.
"I am confident from coming here on the back of the Olympic title."
RELATED STORIES
Track stars Wariner, Merritt to square up in 400m final (AFP, Aug. 19, 2009)
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jIf8hILlxry_bC6lobSYW...
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