TRACK AND FIELD / WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP NOTES : Michael Johnson’s Whirlwind Starts With 400

On the eve of today’s 400-meter final, favored Michael Johnson traded good-natured barbs at a news conference with two other U.S. finalists, Butch Reynolds and Darnell Hall.

“They’re a welcome change from my competition in the 200,” said Johnson, attempting to become the first man in track and field’s World Championships to win both events. “Most of the competitors in the 200 like to play little mind games or whatever.”

Speaking of mind games, Johnson’s manager, Brad Hunt, predicted that Johnson will take Reynolds’ world record of 43.29 seconds today if the often swirling winds in Ullevi Stadium cooperate.

Johnson would not go that far, but he did say: “I think there are a lot of possibilities in my career. As [for this race], my objective is to win.”

His competitors do not seem intimidated.

“Mike’s at the prime of his life now,” Hall said. “But we’re not scared of him. He’s going to have to earn it.”

Unless he is injured, Johnson’s schedule for the rest of the meet includes the first and second rounds of the 200 meters Thursday, the semifinals and final Friday and the final of the 1,600-meter relay Sunday. He also said he would make himself available if needed for Sunday’s final of the 400-meter relay, but that offer, perhaps selfishly, was rejected by U.S. coaches.

“If something happens and he breaks down, someone’s going to be held responsible,” U.S. relay coach Ron Bazil said. “At this point in my career, I won’t be responsible. This is not a Baylor dual meet.”

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All three U.S. men shotputters--Randy Barnes, John Godina and Brent Noon--qualified Tuesday for today’s final. Godina, of UCLA, advanced with his first put, 65 feet 7 inches. “I was looking to get out of here as soon as possible and get some rest,” said Godina, who also will attempt to qualify today for the discus final.

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Kim Batten, one of three U.S. intermediate hurdlers to advance to the semifinals, was disappointed that 400-meter champion Marie-Jose Perec of France decided against also running the hurdles. “I guess I should be happy because there’s less competition, but I really looked forward to competing against her,” Batten said.

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Heptathlon competition begins today without two-time champion Jackie Joyner-Kersee, who dropped out because of injury. She has been replaced on the U.S. roster by DeDe Nathan, fourth in the national championships.