By Noel ‘Bravo’ Francis, Special to TrackAlerts.com
The junior men’s 400m event could be one of the memorable events at the World Junior championships. The top contenders based on times are very close and it could be a battle of speed, endurance and determination in the final 50m.
The Caribbean is relying on Trinidad & Tobago’s rising star Machel Cedenio to seize the moment and crown himself in glory in Eugene. Cedenio has been fit and confident all season winning many important races. The two-time Under-20 400m CARIFTA champion is no stranger to titles and would like to add the most prestigious junior silverware missing from his collection.
The Caribbean challenge should gather momentum with the Jamaican pair of Nathon Allen and 2013 World Youth champion Martin Manley coming to take no prisoners. Both athletes are duly ranked in the top ten of this event and could push for medals. Their astute coach Danny Hawthorne has prepared them well for this exact moment in their lives.
As is customary there is always an American challenge in one-lap events. The American 400m junior champion is Tyler Brown who won the title in a nippy 45.74 seconds. His runner-up Lamar Bruton of Ohio State ran 46.11 to edge Florida State’s Michael Cherry Jnr (46.12) one of the most consistent quarter-milers this season. Whoever lines up for the stars and stripes will only have one goal on his mind. This is a mouthwatering event for 400m fans and race tactics could be vital to its outcome.
