Wariner, Merritt qualify for 400-meter semifinals

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Reigning Olympic and world champion Jeremy Wariner advanced along with LaShawn Merritt to the Beijing Games 400-meter semifinals on Monday morning.

Both athletes built big leads and won their respective heats -- Wariner in 45.23 and Merritt in 44.96.

Merritt’s read on the situation in Beijing: ‘No surprise. He’s ready. I’m ready. Time to go. We’re here. It’s the Olympic Games. It’s time for a showdown -- a throwdown.’

Wariner has stated his intention to break the 43.18 world record set at the 1999 world championships by Michael Johnson, who now serves as Wariner’s manager.

David Neville, the third U.S. entrant, finished second in his heat in 45.22 to advance. ‘I thought I was going to be able to run a little bit slower,” Neville said. “I did what I had to do and make it through.’

The 400 semifinals are Tuesday; the final will be run Thursday.

-- Greg Johnson