Lashawn Merritt answers critics with 400 metre men's win
Runner regains 400m title in year's best time, restoring some credibility after doping ban
American Lashawn Merritt regained the men's 400 metres world title, restoring some credibility to his reputation after serving a 21-month doping ban, then fighting a court battle against the International Olympic Committee (IOC) before being allowed to run in the 2012 Olympics.
Ultimately all his legal efforts came to nothing when he failed to make it past the heats in London, pulling up injured.
"I was really hungry for this title coming here and probably the hungriest man on that track," Merritt said.
"In fact, I was starving because of the disappointment two years ago [second in the 2011 final] and in London last year.
"I was mentally and physically in the zone, out to prove that I am still a force in the event at this level. I lost a lot when I was banned but I never lost my will to win."
The 27-year-old, who won his previous title in 2009 a year after winning Olympic gold, posted the fastest time of the year of 43.74 seconds to take gold, while compatriot Tony McQuay ran a personal best (44.40) for second and Dominican Luquelin Santos was third (44.52). Olympic and defending champion Kirani James of Grenada appeared to tighten up in the finishing straight and faded to finish seventh of the eight-man field.