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News07 Mar 1999


Men 60m final

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Men 60 m final

After a superb race, Maurice Greene won the best 60m final in the history of these championships in 6.42 - a championship record. Greene had a great start and pick-up but was chased right to the line by his countryman Harden and Britain’s Jason Henderson. In a blanket finish, Greene had 100th of a second to spare over Harden with Henderson clocking 6.46, breaking Linford Christie’s European record. Australia’s Matt Shirvington, probably the least experienced indoor sprinter in the field, set his second Oceanian record of the day to finish fourth in 6.52.

The race call in real audio

Gold Medallist - GREENE Maurice (USA)
"It was a tough race. I did not see Harden as I ran, but I knew he would be there. He is a tough competitor and getting better and better. He beat me in US Champs so he is not a joke. Anyone who is into this wants to be NO.1, otherwise you wouldn't be doing this.
The three rounds are not a lot of work, but it is mentally hard. The false starts (in heats) scared me a little, I didn't want to be ruled out. I just had to relax and stay calm.
I can't think of the final as something special, I have to concentrate the same way every time. You might run faster, but the preparation you have to do the same way as always."

Silver Medallist - HARDEN Tim (USA)
"Well I can't really complain. I ran 6.43 which is a personal best, you can only ask so much. With Maurice (Greene) you cannot play games. Just one step, and he's gone. It's my first such meet, so I guess it's a good start. Hopefully next time I can do one better."

Bronze Medallist - GARDENER Jason (GBR)
"I fell out of my blocks. Ever since the semi-final I knew I have a great chance for a medal. The European record is fantastic. I told everyone at AAA Champs that if I could run in the low 6.50's that I would come to Japan.
Today I got up from the blocks too quickly, if I had stayed lower for longer, I would have been faster. I honestly thought as I left the blocks that's my chance gone."

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