Sport

Now for the real Olympics - Powell, Green, Crawford battle for title of world's fastest man

Athens, Greece:
ONE OF THE most eagerly awaited events of the 2004 Athens Olympics, the men's 100 metres, comes up tomorrow at the Athens Olympic Stadium.

The women fired their first salvo today and the men will complete a grand sprinting weekend with their final on Sunday night.

The two men everybody has been talking about have been Jamaica's Asafa Powell and American defending champion Maurice Greene.

Greene has been there and done that and wants to rule again. However, in his path are Powell and his own compatriot Shawn Crawford.

Both Powell, 21, and Greene, 28, have been very quiet in Athens as they seek to remain focussed for the big event.

Head coach Dennis Johnson said last night that the Jamaican national 100m champion was 'okay' and he was trying to keep him away from the many journalists, including those from Jamaica, who were seeking interviews. A relaxed Powell was seen riding the Olympic Village shuttle yesterday having attended a Nike press conference earlier. Little has been heard from Greene.

Both men have, however, gotten rave reviews from Crawford, one of their main rivals.

In assessing Powell, 26-year-old Crawford told United States Track & Field that the Jamaican was running very strong.

Looking real good

"He's looking real good­ there is no breakdown in his form. It's almost like a flawless race from start to finish. He is going to be a good competitor."

He described Greene, who was twice beaten in Grand Prix races by Powell recently, as a 'tough cat.'

"He is a vet at this event. He has run under 10 seconds more than anybody else in the world­ you can count on him showing up."

Crawford himself will also be very tough. While a lot of attention has been focussed on the Greene versus Powell battle he has been making a name for himself and based on 2004 times, he should be the favourite going into the event. His 9.88 for 100m and 19.88 for 200m makes him the fastest man in the world over both distances.

In addition to Powell, Jamaica will field Dwight Thomas and Michael Frater in the men's 100m. Coach Johnson has already predicted that Powell will beat Greene a third time should both clash in the Olympics.

Also down to be contested tomorrow are the women's 400m hurdles round one, women's 400m round one, women's triple jump qualification and the men's 400m semi-finals.

National triple jump record holder Trecia Smith is a strong contender for at least a final place in her event.

Yesterday she was upbeat about her chances in the event and said she could even improve on her 15.16m national record.

"It's going to be a very good competition. There are five women, including myself, who have gone over 15 metres recently and competition can bring out the best in people,"said Smith, a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh who now lives and trains in London, England.