Kirani James focused on regaining world 400m title

Kirani James

San Juan, June 20 (IANS)

Grenadian sprinter Kirani James, winner of the gold medal in the 400 metres at the 2012 Olympics, is working hard to regain his world title in the August 22-30 World Championships in Beijing.

James, 22, won the world title in 2011, but lost it two years later to American rival LaShawn Merritt at the 2013 championships in Moscow, Efe reported on Friday.

“I think he is a bit hungry to try to regain his world title, and rightfully so, as well as LaShawn is trying to defend it. So it's set up for something great,” coach Harvey Glance said.

“Our goal this year has been, and had been for the last several years, is to be consistent week in and week out. We feel though that he could be more of a threat to his competitors if he could run fast week in and week out.

“That puts a lot of pressure on anyone who tries to compete against him and I think he had done that,” Glance said.

James, who is the first Grenadian to win an Olympic medal, is unbeaten in five races this year, including three head-to-head contests with Merritt.

“But, for sure he (James) is in phenomenal shape. I feel as we get more and more in tune in his training as well as his career, he will be consistently running 43 seconds,” Glance said.