Bet of the day: Kirani James to retain men’s 400m title at Olympics
Published:
Jamie Clark, Sports Editor | August 14, 2016
Coral’s bet of the day
- James is defending Olympics champion over 400m
- Grenadian sprinter ran fastest time in semis
- World champion Van Niekerk not in same shape as last season
- Merritt, world leader over a lap, has one eye on 200m
Kirani James among Olympics tips for Sunday athletics
Track and field athletics at the Olympics is now in full swing, so Sunday’s bet of the day comes from Rio.
The men’s 400m is one of four finals on offer, and it’s defending champion Kirani James among Olympics tips that appeals most from the action.
Read on and discover why the Grenadian sprinter is value to defend his title…
Plum lane draw could pay off
Winning his semi-final with the second fastest 400m time of the season in 44.02 seconds, James will receive a favourable lane draw for the final.
Only LaShawn Merritt, who is doubling up to take on Usain Bolt and compatriot Justin Gatlin in the 200m later on this coming week, has gone faster than James around a full lap of the track in 2016.
While double duty for the American may be distracting, James’ sole focus in on retaining the 400m title at the Olympics.
No sign Van Niekerk repeating 2015 form
Another race rival, Wayde Van Niekerk of South Africa may be the reigning world champion in this event, but there’s been no evidence he’s in the same shape as last season.
James, meanwhile, has two of the three fastest times this year. Merritt’s 400m world lead came at the US trials, yet that was in early July and he thus could’ve peaked too early.
While no athlete shows their entire hand in the semis of a major championships, Kirani James remains among top Olympics tips because he’s the most consistent over a lap.
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