Posted: July 11, 2008

Athletics: Wariner over Merritt at Golden Gala

Reining Olympic gold medalist and two-time World champion Jeremy Wariner bounced back from his runner-up finish at the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials to win a hard fought men's 400 meters Friday at the Golden Gala in Rome. Wariner out-leaned 2007 World Outdoor silver medalist and 2008 Olympic Trials champion LaShawn Merritt at the line to win in 44.36 to Merritt's 44.37. Other top finishers on the day included two-time World 200m champion Allyson Felix in the 400m, who easily outdistanced the field to win in 50.25. World-ranked #1 in the 400m, Sanya Richards was the runner-up in the women's 200m in 22.49. Reigning World champion Kerron Clemont won the men's 400m hurdles in 48.23 while 2005 World champion and 2008 Olympic Trials champion Bershawn Jackson was second in 48.34. For complete results from the 2008 Golden Gala, the third stop on the IAAF's Golden League, visit www.IAAF.org. Subscribe to the Runner's Web Weekly Digest