LaShawn Merritt

LaShawn Merritt, born and raised in Portsmouth, is coming off a victory in the U.S. Trials at 400 meters and is considered a gold-medal contender at the Summer Games in Beijing. Throughout July’s preparation and the Games in August, Merritt will share his thoughts and insights – and answer questions – on PilotOnline.com.

Category: At the Olympics

One 400 down, two to go

Aug 08

6:56 PM

Editor's note: LaShawn Merritt successfully advanced through the first round of the 400 meters Sunday night. He won his heat in a time of 44.96 seconds. He could have run much faster but coasted the last 70 meters. Merritt talks about the first round of the 400 meters as he prepares for Tuesday’s semifinal. He’ll run in the third of three heats. He also talks about the amazing world-record performance of Jamaica’s Usain Bolt in the 100 meters.

First round

I’ve been here for awhile so it felt really good to finally run. I felt pretty good. I wanted to run around 45 flat or faster. That was the plan and that’s what I did. So I felt good.

I felt relaxed and I just wanted to get through with using the least amount of energy. I wanted to get to the 200-meter mark and then see where everybody else was.

I’m enjoying it but now it’s time to close the deal and get medals in the 400 and 4 by 400.

Usain Bolt’s record run

It was unreal. I’ve never watched a race before where I was so stunned. It was really unbelievable. It was amazing.

I saw (former Green Run runner) Andre Cason because he’s here coaching with the Dominican Republic team and he said (Bolt) shut it down after 60 meters. He said the guy could probably run 9.5."

On former teammate and Norfolk State runner Chris Brown

(Brown won his qualifying heat in 44.79 to advance to semifinals.)

I know Chris because we used to train together under (Steve) Riddick when I first moved back home after leaving East Carolina.

He’s going to be running against Jeremy (Wariner) in the semifinals.

Love you all and thanks for the support

R.I.P Twan

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