2009 World Championships in Athletics – Men's 400 metres
The men’s 400 metres at the 2009 World Championships was held at the Olympic Stadium on August 18, 19 and 21. The final was close, with the winner finishing 0.54 seconds ahead of the runner-up.
The United States has a strong history in this event, often topping the Olympic podium since 1988. The two American favorites were Jeremy Wariner (the 2007 world champion) and LaShawn Merritt (the Olympic champion and season leader). Merritt posted the world’s best time that year, 44.50 seconds, and had been undefeated; Wariner was also a top contender. Outside chances for medals were thought to be small, with athletes like Chris Brown (Bahamas), David Gillick (Ireland), Leslie Djhone (France), and two other U.S. runners seen as possible bronze contenders.
On day 1, Ramon Miller posted the fastest qualifying time, 45.00 seconds, a personal best. Tabarie Henry, Djhone, and Renny Quow were among the next fastest. Gary Kikaya, the African record holder, was disqualified for a lane violation.
Before the competition, the event used standard qualification rules: the first 3 in each heat (Q) plus the next 3 fastest (q) advanced to the semifinals; in the semifinals, the first 2 in each heat (Q) plus the next 2 fastest (q) moved to the final. Key abbreviations: NR = National record, PB = Personal best, Q = qualified by place, q = qualified by time, SB = Seasonal best.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 07:58 (CET).