Men's 400 Hurdles Preview

Olympic champion Angelo Taylor, in his first barrier final of this season, will have his hands full in today's final, especially from Sydney teammate Eric Thomas. Thomas clocked 49.04 to win the first semi on Friday, with Joey Woody also looking strong at 49.21. Atlanta bronze winner Calvin Davis ran 3rd in 49.43.

That trio was faster than Taylor, who won the second semi at 49.44. He looked a bit awkward in his hurdle clearances but plenty quick between barriers. But Taylor will have to be spot on in his hurdling to keep pace with at least Thomas and Woody. Davis could be susceptible to Taylor's flat 400 speed. And Bayano Kamani, who won the NCAA title on this track at the start of June, ran 49.59 behind Taylor. If he reproduces the 48.99 which won the NCAA, he could be among the leaders.
/Jon Hendershott/