American LaShawn Merritt, the defending World 400m champion is well aware of a “lot of athletes this year running well” in his event. Isaac Makwala (BOT) 43.72, Kirani James (GRN) 43.95 and Wayde Van Niekerk (RSA) 43.96 are the sub-44 runners this year.

Steven Gardener (BAH) 44.27, Machel Cedenio (TT)) 44.36 and Deon Lendore (TTO) have also gone faster than the USA athlete’s season best of 44.43.

However, Merritt, who was speaking at the Track Town Classic press conference at the Foote Field Stadium here in Edmonton, is still not worried because “there is a part of my training I haven’t done yet,” while pointing to a change of coach in February.

As to what he thinks he will need to defend his title, “I may have to get around 43.6, which is a big drop from where I am at right now (44.43)”

Still he is not worried and he explained why “my biggest gun that I have in my bag, I haven’t even pulled it out yet.”