James sends early Olympic warning

BOSTON, Massachusetts, February 4, 2012 — Grenada's Kirani James signalled his intention to add Olympic gold to the 400m world title he claimed last year with a convincing victory at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix here on Saturday.

James clocked 45.96sec, fastest in the world so far this year, as he again demonstrated that US dominance of the men's Olympic 400m is under threat.

James posted an emphatic victory over American Josh Scott (46.54), Trinidad and Tobago's Renny Quow (46.70) and the Virgin Islands' Tabarie Henry (46.88).

"Considering this was my first indoor meet of the year, I have to be happy with winning here in pretty good time," James said. "I feel a lot stronger than in the past. I've put in a lot of work in the weight room, not done all that much on the track.

"To open the season running 45.96, I guess that's pretty good," the 19-year-old said.

James, who won the 400m world title last year in Daegu, South Korea, is hoping to continue to build toward London with a strong performance at the World Indoor Championships March 11-12 in Istanbul.

If he does eventually top the Olympic podium, he'll reverse a trend of US success in the event. Americans have won seven consecutive Olympic titles in the 400m -- LaShawn Merritt in 2008, Jeremy Wariner in 2004, Michael Johnson in 1996 and 2000, Quincy Watts in 1992, Steve Lewis in 1988 and Alonzo Babers in 1984.

"There are so many other good 400 men everywhere, and I know anything can happen, but right now things are looking pretty good," he said.