Greene predicts U.S. sweep in 100 meters

By Gene Cherry

HELSINKI (Reuters) – Former world and Olympic champion
Maurice Greene is predicting a U.S. sweep in the world
championships 100 meters even though he will not be in the
race.

“I really can’t see anyone (other than the Americans),
especially with the rounds and everything else, pulling it
off,” Greene, who pulled up lame in the U.S. trials and did not
qualify for the 100 meters, told reporters.

Greene tipped his training partner Leonard Scott to win the
race.

“Obviously he is my first pick,” Greene said. “Justin
(Gatlin) will get second and Shawn (Crawford) will get
third….a U.S. sweep.”

Olympic gold medallist Gatlin is the odds-on favorite,
however, with world record holder Asafa Powell injured.

“He’s (Gatlin’s) a very strong mental competitor,” Greene
said.

Greene said he hoped to make the medallists pay over the
coming months.

“My job the rest of the season is to make any person who
has got a medal to pay for that medal,” the former world record
holder said.

Greene has recovered from the hamstring injury he suffered
at the U.S. championships in June and plans to resume 100
meters running at Zurich on August 19. Races are also scheduled
in Sheffield, Brussels and China.

His role at the championships will be to help the Americans
win the 4×100 meters relay. He most likely will run the second
leg with Gatlin on the anchor.

“It’s hurtful,” the 31-year-old said of his absence from
the 100 meters. “We’ll just have to wait until the next world
championships to win.

“I’ve always said I was going to finish on top. Once I step
on that top podium again I can walk away from the sport,” he
added.

“It’s a definite I will not be stopping for at least
another two years.”