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2008 Beijing Olympic Preview: Men’s 400 Meter Hurdles

Posted August 13th, 2008 at 12:00 PM by Jesse Squire

Section: News & Results, Track & Field, Olympics

kerron clement

Men’s 400 Meter Hurdles

The Schedule: heats, Friday Aug 15; semifinals, Saturday Aug 16; finals, Monday Aug 18
The Americans: #1 Kerron Clement [Pictured], #2 Bershawn Jackson, #6 Angelo Taylor
The Contenders: #3 Danny McFarlane (JAM), #4 L.J. van Zyl (RSA), #5 Marek Plawgo (POL)
The Stats: Records, 2008 List, 2007 Worlds, 2004 Olympics
The Medal Picks: T&FN - Clement, Jackson, van Zyl; SI - Clement, Jackson, Taylor
The Story: This is an American race for gold, and a medal sweep by the USA is a distinct possibility. Jackson failed badly (for him) at the Golden League meet in Paris; other than that, he and Clement have lost to no one but each other. Clement is a tremendous talent who has a history of inconsistency (which is lessening with time), while Jackson’s best times are less stunning but he rarely has a bad race. If Clement is at or near his best, he will win, but otherwise it will be Jackson.

Bronze is a bit more complicated. Taylor was the Sydney Olympic champ, but that was a loong time ago. His season has been much shorter than everyone else’s, his flat 400 speed is better than any save Clement’s, and he is older and wiser than the rest. But maybe that just means he’s over the hill. L.J. van Zyl has run a few fast times, but has lost to both Taylor and McFarlane in their only meetings this year. I say go with the Jamaican for third.

Note: Athletes’ rankings refer to TheFinalSprint.com’s World Points Standings, and medal picks come to us from Track & Field News and Sports Illustrated, respectively.