Kirani James reflects on the merit of LaShawn’s double

Anthony Foster
By Anthony Foster 2 Min Read

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil – Grenadian Olympic 400m champion, Kirani James, said it will be “entertaining” to see American, LaShawn Merritt, chasing medals in the 200m and 400m.

“I think it might be really entertaining to see him just try to win two medals, three medals, you can count the 4x400m,” said James.

Merritt is the world leader in both the men’s 200m, 19.74 and 400m, 43.97. He also had other 200m times of 19.78 and 19.79.

Asked what Merritt’s fast times mean to the 400m field, James said the times don’t mean much. “I think it means a lot to him, because he is trying to do the double.”

“I think that’s a feat, not a lot of people could even attempt to do so,” added James, the London 2012 400m champion.

Merritt will come up against the king of track and field Usain Bolt, Justin Gatlin, who beat him at the USA Trials, and rising star Miguel Francis of Antigua and Barbuda in the half lap event.

In the 400m, the 2013 world champion faces last year’s winner, Wayne Van Niekerk of South African and James.

“I think its great for him to try and win medals in both events, which I think it’s the toughest double ever,” added James, the 2011 World 400m champion.

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