It helps to have a good mentor, and for 400m star Jeremy Wariner there’s none better to look up to – and get advice from – than world record-holder Michael Johnson.
Coached by Clyde Hart, who guided Johnson through his stellar career, Jeremy was the world's fastest junior in 2003. But no one could have predicted the leap he would make in 2004.
He started chipping away at his times and won the US collegiate title and then the US Olympic Trials. Some felt that the Athens Olympics would be one championship too many for the Baylor University student, but Jeremy saved his best performance for the world's biggest stage, scorching to victory in a stunning 44 seconds.
His goals for 2005 were to win the world title and break 44 seconds. He ticked both boxes in Helsinki: winning in 43.93.
With no championships in 2006, Jeremy could focus on running fast and improving his PBs. And that he did: 20.19 for the 200m; 43.62 for the 400m. He also won all 12 of his one-lap races, six of which were the Golden League victories that allowed him to share that year’s jackpot.
His improvement continued in 2007. With a world title to defend, his last competition before heading to Osaka saw him set another PB: 43.50. He knew he was ready – and proved it by running 43.45 to win gold and move up a place to third on the all-time list.
The one thing left for him to do is break Johnson’s world record: 43.18. Given the smooth-running, shades-wearing Texan’s steady progression, that’s not out of the question.
Interview
Q When did you discover you were fast?
A During 2000, in my senior year in high school, I was at a regional track meet and ran 45.57 in the 400m and, about an hour later, 20.41 in the 200m final. I realised then that if I worked hard and set goals that I’d be able to be successful.
Q You were a football player in your younger days. What standard did you reach?
A I played high school football and I was going to play football and run track at college. But after thinking about it and talking to my high school track coach and my parents, we all came to the same conclusion: I wasn’t heavy enough to be a real good football player. I had the talent for track, and it was easier on my body.
Q What kind of influence has Michael Johnson had on your career?
A In the early stages he told me a lot of things that I needed to look forward to and to be careful of – things I did and didn’t need to do to make sure I stay focused on my race. He’s been a big influence.
Q Why do you always compete in sunglasses?
A When I put my glasses on all I see is what’s in front of me on my lane. Everything else is blocked out. They help me stay focused.
Q What interests do you have outside athletics?
A I go fishing with my training partner Daryl Williamson, or we’ll play video games, go bowling or shoot pool. My car is always in the shop, too, getting something added to it. Then, of course, there are my dogs. I spend time with them to keep me where I was before I became a big athlete.
Q You won a $250,000 share of the 2006 Golden League jackpot. What was it like to win such a huge prize and what did you spend your money on?
A It was great to know that all the hard work I’d done that year had paid off. I put the money in the bank so that when I was ready to buy a house I’d have a big enough downpayment to ensure a comfortable living style.
Q How much faster can you run the 400m?
A I know I can go faster than 43 seconds. That’s what I’m training for – to break that barrier.
Q What other sports do you follow?
A NBA, NFL, a little golf now and then – but I’d rather play than watch. Soccer is something I used to play when I was a kid… I can’t sit there and watch a whole game, but I can play it.
Q What have been the highlights of your career?
A Back in 2006, when Xavier Carter was going to be the man to beat me, our race in Rome was a big one for me. I was very confident going in and ended up winning in a PB: 43.6. It was the same with LaShawn Merritt in the 2007 World Championships.