Wallace Spearmon takes the win ahead of Jeremy Wariner - Carson (© Kirby Lee/Image of Sport)
Fresh off his world leading 20.06 200m at Carson, California (21 May), Wallace Spearmon will run the 200m again at the 32nd Prefontaine Classic on Sunday, 28 May at Hayward Field, the USA’s leg of the IAAF World Athletics Tour.
The 2005 World Championships silver medallist behind Justin Gatlin, recorded the fastest time in the world last year, a 19.89 in winning the London Grand Prix. The 21-year-old phenomenon gave up his remaining eligibility at the University of Arkansas to turn professional, and, as of today, is number 1 in the IAAF World Rankings for the event.
Spearmon's main challenge will be provided by Jamaican Chris Williams, who is currently IAAF World Ranked number 4. The Pre Classic meet record in the 200 is 20.15 by Michael Johnson, way back in 19.95.
The men's 400m race is an open affair with some of the fastest one-lappers in the world. World bronze medallist Canada's Tyler Christopher, defending Pre champion Michael Blackwood of Jamaica, and Americans Tyree Washington, a former World Indoor champion, Darold Williamson (44.88) and LaShawn Merritt (44.67).
Also in the field are the in form Gary Kikaya of Congo (44.72), and Commonwealth Games champion John Steffenson of Australia (44.73).
Tom Jordan for the IAAF
200m (MEN)
Wallace Spearmon
Chris Williams (Jamaica)
Rodney Martin
Wes Felix
Ainsley Waugh (Jamaica)
Darvis Patton
Coby Miller
400m (MEN)
Tyler Christopher (Canada)
Darold Williamson
LaShawn Merritt
John Steffenson (Australia)
Tyree Washington
Michael Blackwood (Jamaica)
Gary Kikaya (Congo)
Alleyne Francique (Grenada)