CCTV

Headline News

World

American Merritt wins men´s 400m gold medal

Source: Beijing2008.cn | 08-21-2008 21:58

Special Report:   2008 Beijing Olympic Games

(BEIJING, August 21) -- LeShawn Merritt has won the Men's 400m gold medal at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, running smoothly in a time of 43.75 seconds, his personal best.

LaShawn Merritt of the United States gestures after the men's 400m final at the National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, during Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Aug. 21, 2008. LaShawn Merritt won the title with 43.75 seconds. (Xinhua Photo)
LaShawn Merritt of the United States gestures 
after the men's 400m final at the National 
Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, during 
Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, 
Aug. 21, 2008. LaShawn Merritt won the title 
with 43.75 seconds. (Xinhua Photo)

The silver medal goes to Jeremy Wariner, the race favorite who lagged well back at 44.74s, while David Neville finished strong and dove across the finish line to record 44.80s.

The current world record held by all-time Athletics great Michael Johnson is 43.18 seconds set in Seville in 1999, just under his Olympic record 43.49s from Atlanta 1996.

Athletics legend Johnson had also owned the 200 record for 22 years until Usain Bolt shaved it by 2 one-hundredths in the Beijing 2008 100m final.

 

Editor:Si Qintu