BRISBANE American Alvin Harrison cruised to an Australian all-comers 400 meters record of 44.18 seconds on Friday and warned compatriot Michael Johnson he was gunning for gold in Sydney.
Harrison's time in a warm-up meet was the fourth-fastest in the world this year only Johnson has run faster and just 0.09 seconds outside his personal best set four years ago.
"I just wanted to run a clean, technical race and then the times will follow," he said. "I still have a few things to work on but I'm pleased with how things are going." Harrison looked smooth and elegant from the start and comfortable at the finish on a windless night.
Asked if he could challenge world record holder Johnson (43.18), who is strongly favored to retain his title in Sydney, he said: "I'm a competitor and I've not been training to win silver.
"I'll concentrate on my own running, getting to the final, and then if all goes well I will be out to challenge Michael for that gold." Harrison's twin brother Calvin was also happy after crossing the line second in a personal best of 44.64 seconds.
"I'm ecstatic about that and I'm really pleased for Alvin. It's a victory for team Harrison," he said.
Calvin is hoping to claim a berth in the American 4x400 meters relay alongside his brother, who won a gold in the event in Atlanta after finishing fourth in the individual 400.
(Reuter)