Raymond Graham, Freelance Writer
Danny McFarlane ... favourite for national 400m hurdles title. - file
WHEN the eight finalists line up for the men's 400 metres hurdles at the National Champion-ships later this month, all eyes will be on veteran Danny McFarlane who has been the country's top man in this event for the last four years.
McFarlane, the 2004 Olympic silver medallist, will be hoping to cement his place at the 'Trials' by finishing in the top three and get a chance to go one place better at this year's Olympic Games in Beijing. Although he will start favourite to win, there are several rising stars who are hoping to make it hard for him.
The 36-year-old McFarlane, who was fifth at last year's World Championships in Osaka, had announced his retirement during the meet but has since had a change of heart. He has decided to make one more try at the Olympics. With a season best of 48.74 seconds he is the country's leading performer in this event and will be hoping to stamp his class over his younger rivals.
New kid on the block, Adrian Findlay, who was eighth at the National Championships last year, has been very consistent all season and will be hoping to turn back the defending champion.
Very motivated
Like McFarlane, he has gone under 49 seconds this season when he clocked 48.93 in early May. Since getting a silver medal as a member of the 4x400 metres team at this year's World Indoor Championships, he has been very motivated and has been very busy on the track. He showed good form by finishing second to training partner Bershawn Jackson last Sunday at the Berlin Golden League meet.
The likes of Markino Buckley, Isa Phillips, Ian Weakly and Dean Griffiths will all make this event competitive. Buckley, who was second last year but failed to finish in Osaka, ran a cracker earlier last month when he was involved in a photo finish with Findlay. He is also in good form while Phillips, who has started slowly, has been showing signs of improvement and cannot be counted out.
Despite making a comeback, former national representative Ian Weakly could find the going very tough while Griffiths will have to show tremendous improvement as he has not looked himself this season.
With his experience and good form, McFarlane will start the favourite to defend his title successfully. The other two spots should be very competitive and could go down to the wire.
Top 3 prediction: 1. Danny McFarlane, 2. Adrian Findlay, 3. Markino Buckley.
TOMORROW: The women's 400m hurdles.
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