Posted: Tuesday 8th September 2009 | 15:28
By George Scott, Sportsbeat
LASHAWN Merritt insists his work is not done despite adding the 400m world title to his Olympic crown - and already has his eye on breaking Michael Johnson’s world record next year.
Merritt captured gold in Berlin ahead of American rival Jeremy Wariner - who he beat to the Olympic title in Beijing - in 44.06 seconds.
The Virginia-native clocked 43.75, a personal best, in China to put him fifth on the 400m all-time list, with Johnson’s mark standing at 43.18.
And Merritt admits he only has eyes on toppling the four-time Olympic champion and will make the world record his number one priority in 2010.
“Next year will all be about times - I just want to try and drop my times and not run as many races,” said Merritt.
"This year was a World Championship year so it was more about winning races - when it comes to the World Championships you just want to get there and win it and that’s what I did.
"Next year is an off year so I’ll try to focus on my speed in training.
"I think about Michael Johnson’s record like I want to get there but I don’t go into a race thinking about it.
“But the world record is a goal of mine and I definitely feel like I’ve got that extra bit of time in me.”
Merritt will draw his season to a close at this weekend’s World Athletics Final in Thessaloniki, Greece, where he will once again go head-to-head with Athens Olympic champion Wariner.
And the 23-year-old admits he is looking forward to closing his account with a win before taking a well earned break.
“I’m feeling good at the moment off the back of the World Championships - I ran 44.21 in Zurich and ran well again at Gateshead,” added Merritt.
"After the World Athletics Final I will take six weeks off to relax and start back in November with some base training.
“I’m only young and I’ve got many more years in the sport but I’ve had a great year to date.”
http://www.morethanthegames.co.uk/athletics/086071-merritt-targets-johnsons-400m-world-record