Jeremy Wariner wins the 400m for Team Americas in the IAAF / VTB Bank Continental Cup in Split (© Getty Images)
After a shaky start to the season, Jeremy Wariner can now claim to be the undisputed world no.1 in the 400m, having won the Samsung Diamond League series and now winning the IAAF / VTB Bank Continental Cup, smashing the Competition Record.
With Jermaine Gonzales, Wariner’s nearest rival this year, not taking part, the former World and Olympic champion was able to settle into his own rhythm – and it was a fast one at that. Drawn in lane six, Wariner soon made up ground on European champion Kevin Borlée and Sudan’s Rabah Yousif in the lanes outside of him.
The other Team Americas representative, Ricardo Chambers of Jamaica, was going well in lane two and as the field came into the home straight Wariner had a comfortable lead over his team mate. European silver medallist Michael Bingham was also finishing strongly.
Wariner, looking almost as dominant when at his 2004-2007 peak, cruised through the finish line in 44.22, smashing Mike Franks’ Competition Record from 25 years ago. Chambers ensured an Americas 1-2, finishing second in 44.59, and he was followed by the two European representatives, reversing their finish from the European Championships. Bingham ran 44.84 to Borlée’s 45.01, season’s bests for both.
With three athletes under 44.9, four under 45.1 and all eight finishers under 46 seconds, it is undoubtedly the highest quality men’s 400m ever at the IAAF World Cup / Continental Cup.
Jon Mulkeen for the IAAF
With Jermaine Gonzales, Wariner’s nearest rival this year, not taking part, the former World and Olympic champion was able to settle into his own rhythm – and it was a fast one at that. Drawn in lane six, Wariner soon made up ground on European champion Kevin Borlée and Sudan’s Rabah Yousif in the lanes outside of him.
The other Team Americas representative, Ricardo Chambers of Jamaica, was going well in lane two and as the field came into the home straight Wariner had a comfortable lead over his team mate. European silver medallist Michael Bingham was also finishing strongly.
Wariner, looking almost as dominant when at his 2004-2007 peak, cruised through the finish line in 44.22, smashing Mike Franks’ Competition Record from 25 years ago. Chambers ensured an Americas 1-2, finishing second in 44.59, and he was followed by the two European representatives, reversing their finish from the European Championships. Bingham ran 44.84 to Borlée’s 45.01, season’s bests for both.
With three athletes under 44.9, four under 45.1 and all eight finishers under 46 seconds, it is undoubtedly the highest quality men’s 400m ever at the IAAF World Cup / Continental Cup.
Jon Mulkeen for the IAAF
