MOSCOW, Russia (Sporting Alert) — Olympic champion Kirani James of Grenada has dismissed suggestions that the men’s 400m will come down to a two men’s race between himself and American LaShawn Merritt in tomorrow’s final at the World Championships in Moscow.
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Both quarter-milers won their respective semi-finals to book their spot in Tuesday’s decider and they both believe the title race will be more than just about them.
“All the athletes are here for a reason, so the final will be interesting,” James told reporters after winning his race.
“I can’t plan the result ahead, because, you know, to run a fast time the weather should be right, the competition should be right. We’ll see.”
Merritt, who failed defend his Olympic title at last summer’s Games because he picked up an injury, is looking forward to a very competitive final.
“I watched the race before me and the race after me. He (Kirani James) put a great race together, Tony (McQuay) put a great race together,” Merritt said.
“We made the final, that’s all we came here for. Now it’s time to get on the podium.”
Merritt also talked about his preparation for the final, he said he was going to “get some motivation from my team, eat well, rest well, sleep well,come out tomorrow focused.”
Mohammed Aman of Ethiopia and Americans Duane Solomon and Nick Symmonds start as strong favourites for the medal places in the men’s 800m final. The improving Ayanleh Souleiman of Djibouti, as well as Pierre-Ambroise Bosse of France are also in the hunt for medals.
Other finals tomorrow are the men’s Discus Throw, the women’s Pole Vault, while will include Yelena Isinbayeva of Russia, as well as the women’s 3000m Steeplechase.
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