One lap, eight of the world’s best sprinters.
That’s how things look on paper for the men’s 400 meters on Saturday afternoon at the 41st Prefontaine Classic.
But if last year is any indication, the race within the race centers around the two sprinters who finished 1-2 in 2014.
Kirani James and LaShawn Merritt finished with identical times that race, crossing in 43.97. James was awarded first place upon further review, improving his all-time record vs. Merritt to 8-5.
“It’s up there,” James said, when asked about his top races. “But I also think that every race is unique in its own way. It’s a really special race, especially doing it in front of the Oregon fans and Nike.”
James first experienced Hayward Field in the spring of 2010 at the NCAA Championships in Eugene. His coach, Harvey Glance, a former gold medalist as a sprinter and current head track and field coach for the University of Alabama, says James has embraced the challenge that comes with a publicized rivalry.
“I think he understands and has accepted the fact that LaShawn is not going anywhere,” said Glance, who ran collegiately for Auburn but now coaches for the rival Crimson Tide. “I think vice versa it’s the same way. I think both those guys are ready for the challenge — they’re not dodging each other.”
The two will meet for the 14th time, and it’s their fourth at the Prefontaine Classic. James, who was 18 years old when he first squared off (and won) vs. Merritt at the 2011 World Championships, dodged the notion that this year’s race is only about them.
“The other six guys in the race are capable of doing great things,” he said. “You can never forget about them, too. As we’ve seen, time and time again, you have guys who are steadily improving. You have to take them into consideration when you’re competing.”
He classified his relationship with Merritt as “very friendly.”
Glance noted that the head-to-head competition between James and Merritt is a positive for the sport of track and field.
“I hope it’s an example for all of the events because people like competition,” said Glance, who has been coaching James for five years. “They come to a track meet to see competition. If one is more dominant than the other, then that event becomes boring. When you have someone that steps up and meets a challenge, then it’s exciting for the sport, it’s exciting for the event and it’s certainly exciting for the fans.”
While the result of Saturday’s race will add one more point in the win column for the victor, there is more on the line than just rivalry pride.
“This meet here is one that all the athletes shoot for,” said Glance. “You’re doing it right in front of your big sponsors. All eyes are going to be on them, and that’s why this meet brings a lot of significance outside of just the goal of championships.”
As for a prediction, James wasn’t too specific. But he admitted that he will need to bring his best against his counterpart, who has emerged victorious in two out of their three meetings at the Prefontaine Classic.
“LaShawn is a very great competitor,” James said. “You know that you always have to be on top of your game when you’re competing against him.”
