By Miranda Mitchell, World-Track
The American, after dominating the 400 metres surprisingly made a split with longtime coach Clyde Hart last season, which saw his once undefeated status coming to an end, in addition to him losing his Olympic title to fellow country man LaShawn Merritt.
But Wariner has since rejoined Hart and is eager to prove that last year was just an off season for him.
“I wanna get back my ranking, and defend my title,” Wariner said. “I wanna show people that last year was just an off year for me, that I didn’t run the way I should’ve.”
That task, however, will not be as be simple with Merritt determined to win the world title in Berlin and remained as the No.1 sprinter in the 400m.
“I know he’s working hard…and making changes,” Merritt said of Wariner.
"(So) I have to stay hungry, stay humble.
"I proved I could be No. 1, I have to keep it. I’m more dedicated. I didn’t run a perfect race to win (in Beijing). There’s room for improvement.”
The pair will meet each other in the 400m at the U.S. Championships starting here in Eugene on Thursday.
