July 14 2008
400m National Champion Joel Milburn has put in a strong performance at the IAAF Golden League meeting, in Rome.
Milburn missed the clash with Olympic champion Jeremy Wariner at the World Tour meeting in Melbourne in February due to injury, but he got his chance to learn from the masters in Rome.
Wariner was burnt off by his nemesis this season, American teammate LaShawn Merritt, in the first 150 metres but the World and Olympic champion attacked on the final bend. Merritt, the silver medallist in Osaka last year, fought back and the duo hit the line locked together.
Wariner’s 44.36 prevailed over Merritt’s 44.37, with Milburn dashing to his second quickest time ever, 45.40, to finish a creditable fifth.