Jeremy Wariner's budding rivalry with fellow American LaShawn Merritt has fueled the Olympic and world 400m champion with a new desire to excel.

"For me it's great to have a rivalry," the 24-year-old Wariner told a news conference. "It makes me train harder. When I go to the track I know LaShawn will be there working as hard as I am."

This file photo taken on July 11, 2008 shows Lashawn Merrit (L) of the US and compatriot Jeremy Wariner coming second and first at the men's 400 at the Athletics IAAF Golden Gala in Rome's Olympic Stadium. Should the men's 100m at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games fail to live up to expectations then this event should prove a remedy for those feeling let down. [Agencies]

Wariner had not lost a 400m race for more than a year when Merritt beat him in Berlin in June. Merritt also defeated Wariner at the US Olympic trials before the latter bounced back to claim victories in Rome and Paris.

"I was letting LaShawn get away from me," Wariner said, "by that time it was too late."

He began to correct the problem in Rome, then hit his stride in Paris.

"The last couple of races were great," Wariner said. "I ran two 43 (second) races and in Stockholm ran 44 sec. I have had some really good workouts. Training has been going really well, probably the best of the season.

"I feel as hard I have worked I have a chance to get the world record," Wariner said of his agent Michael Johnson's record of 43.18 sec.

Agencies