STOCKHOLM, Sweden (CMC) – Kirani James continued his impressive start to the year, winning the men’s 400 metres in his European indoor debut on Thursday. The 400 metres World champion from the Spice Isle of Grenada set a new stadium record of 45.52 seconds to clinch his third victory on the indoor circuit this year.
James stamped his authority from early on his final race before the IAAF World Indoor Championships in Turkey next month.
He was never seriously challenged on the final lap, erasing the previous mark of 45.93 set by Alejando Cardenas of Mexico one dozen years ago.
Chris Brown of the Bahamas clocked 46.68 to finish in the runner-up slot, followed by hometown boy Johan Wissman (47.06) and Nick Ekelund of Denmark (47.33).
James’ time was also the fastest on the continent this season ahead of Great Britain’s Nigel Levine, who clocked 45.71 last Saturday in Birmingham.
James still holds the World-leading time for the year of 45.19 posted at the USA Track & Field Classic on February 11 in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
He has installed himself as the clear favourite to add men’s World Indoor title to his treasure chest at the meet to be staged in Istanbul from March 9 to 11.