Men's 400 metres final

Michael Johnson has set himself three goals for this race; to claim his fourth consecutive 400 metre title, win the most gold medals in World Championship history (if he takes relay gold) and to beat the 11-year-old world record of 43.29 seconds held by his compatriot Butch Reynolds. Most people expect him to succeed in the first two at least, but if he falters in any way (look what happened to Marion Jones), there are plenty of men that can beat him. Michael Johnson (USA). Age: 31. Personal Best: 43.39. Since first appearing on the world scene in 1990, Johnson won 58 successive 400m races from 1990 up until his defeat in the Paris Grand Prix two years ago by Antonio Pettigrew. His 42.93 anchor leg of the USA winning relay team of 1993 is the fastest lap ever run and he also has the fastest time in the world this year with his 43.92. Mark Richardson (Britain). Age: 27. Personal Best: 44.37. Fourth last time out in Athens and second behind his British team-mate Iwan Thomas in the European Championships last year. Ran his fastest of the season when qualifying with a time of 44.47 seconds and that leaves him as Britain's main hope of a medal. Antonio Pettigrew (USA) Age: 31. Personal Best: 44.21. The World champion from 1991 seems to have recovered his best form and will certainly support Johnson's lead for an American 1-2-3. Second fastest in the world this year with 44.21 seconds. Sanderlei Parrela (Brazil). Age: 25. Personal Best: 44.37. The new face of 400 metre running, Parrela first broke 45 seconds at the Pan-American Games last month. Then improved his best to 44.37 seconds (a South American record) when finishing second to Johnson in the semi-final.