400 metres, Men

There were only three rounds, for the first time at the Olympics since 1912. The world leader coming into Athina was a relative newcomer, Jeremy Wariner, who was trained by Clyde Hart, who had trained the redoubtable Michael Johnson. Wariner also attended Baylor University, as had Johnson. The other Americans were Otis Harris and Derrick Brew, always to be considered challengers. But a top runner on the international circuit in 2004 was Grenada’s Alleyne Francique. In the final, the Americans were in lanes 3-5, with Wariner in the middle. Harris led out for 200 metres, but the Americans were 1-2-3. At 300 metres Wariner and Harris were in a virtual dead-heat. But Wariner maintained more speed down the stretch and just over a metre, Harris in second, and Brew completing the American sweep. Françique placed fourth, never a factor for a medal after the first 200.