Kirani James of Grenada crosses the finish line ahead of LaShawn Merritt (R) of United States in the men's 400 metres final (© Getty Images)
A potential superstar of the future came to the fore in spectacular fashion inside the Daegu Stadium as Kirani James – just two days shy of his 19th birthday – won a thrilling race by just 0.03 from the now deposed champion LaShawn Merritt.
In the process the teenager became the third youngest ever male gold medallist at a World Championships and also the first man from Grenada to climb the podium at this global event.
Merritt, who only returned to the sport after a 21-month absence, will still be proud of his efforts as it was just his fourth race since his return (if you also include the heats and semi-finals here in Korea).
The bronze went to Kevin Borlee in 44.90 – the first time a Belgian had won a male sprint medal in World Championships history. His twin brother, Jonathan, was fifth.
It was a simply sensational display from James who also became the ninth athlete in history to win the World Youth, World Junior and World senior titles. He was not only delighted for himself at taking the gold but he was also genuinely elated for his fellow Grenadians.
“I am incredibly happy,” said James. “ I am very proud to be here to represent my country. You know, the people from Grenada are the most friendly people in the world and in this moment they also must be the most happy people in the world. It’s carnival time back home.”
Following the heats and semi-finals – in which Merritt led the qualifiers in both – many believed he would retain the title he won in Berlin and deliver an amazing 10th gold for the USA in the past 11 editions of this event. Yet, so far this has proved no ordinary championships and one in which the pre-event favourites have tended to falter.
Merritt appeared to make a slow start out of the blocks but had the advantage of having James one lane outside him in five. The first half of the race was incredibly even with all eight men virtually holding the stagger on each other and no clear leaders emerging.
Around the final bend, though, the race unravelled as Merritt, James and Kevin Borlee started to emerge as the lead contenders and entering the home straight it was Merritt who kicked ahead. He quickly established a three-metre lead and it seemed for all the world as if he was set to win back-to-back titles.
Yet James running with a more fluent action slowly started to rein in Merritt. The gap was gradually being nibbled and the American’s form started to go awry as he felt the pressure come from his right hand side.
With five metres remaining James drew alongside Merritt and with the momentum in his favour he desperately lunged for the line. It was close…very close… but the Grenadian had taken it by 0.03.
With Kevin Borlee third his twin brother, Jonathan, took fifth in 45.07 – a remarkable achievement for one family. Jamaican Jermaine Gonzales was wedged between the Belgian siblings in fourth (44.99). Sixth was James’ countryman Rondell Bartholomew (45.45).
Steve Landells for the IAAF
