Jeremy Wariner vs Lashawn Merritt, 400 metres
Olympic and world champion Wariner (left) has dominated the 400 meters since before the 2004 Games. Compatriot Merritt has been in his slipstream throughout and is getting closer.
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Wariner remains favorite to retain his title but things have certainly got closer since Merritt bet him twice earlier in the season. The second of those victories came in the US trials when he said afterwards: "Once I got into the home stretch I was smelling Beijing and victory."
Olympics to start with a big bang
Only Michael Johnson, something of a mentor for Wariner, and Butch Reynolds have run faster than Wariner's best time of 43.45.
Photograph: Getty Images | Text: Reuters
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