Johnson guns for new world 400m record

Sydney: Olympic champion Michael Johnson said on Tuesday he was in shape to break his 400 metres world record at the Sydney Games.

"If the weather cooperates, the opportunity may be here to break 43 seconds," Johnson said at his first news conference at the Sydney Olympics.

"I think I am in shape to do it right now. I think I am capable of doing it."Johnson cautioned fans not be disappointed if he failed to lower the record of 43.18 seconds that he set at last year's world championships since, he said, the objective of the Olympics is to win.

But the 33-year-old 200 and 400 metres world record holder said it was an ambition to break 43 seconds and "I'm running out of time".

"I'm proud of my 400 metres record, but I know I can do better," Johnson said. "I would like for my 400 metres record to equal my 200 metres record - so far out there that it is hard to understand."

Johnson, who made history in Atlanta by becoming the first man to win both the 400 and 200 metres at the same Games, said these Olympics would have less pressure.

"Now it's Marion's turn," Johnson said of fellow American Marion Jones, who hopes to leave Sydney with an unprecedented five gold medals.

Yet, Johnson could also make his last Games an historic one by becoming the first-ever repeat winner in the men's 400 metres.

Looking relaxed after five days in Australia, Johnson also said a world record in the 4x400-metre relay was possible by the Americans, who could sweep the individual 400 metres medals.

As for the women's 400 metres, Johnson said defending champion Marie-Jose Perec of France "is just as much a mystery to me" as anyone.

"It should be interesting," Johnson said, adding the unknown status of Perec "puts Cathy (Cathy Freeman of Australia) in a difficult position".

He cautioned not to underestimate Perec just because she has run only one 400 metres in the past year.

At the end of the news conference, Nike unveiled the shoes Johnson will be wearing for all races in Sydney. Like Atlanta, they will be gold, but will be lighter and the metallic flash will be 24-carot gold droplets.

And it's unlikely he will be throwing them in the stands, even if he sets a world record or two.

"They're a little more expensive," said the man who has made millions with his running.



(c) Reuters Limited.