Clement breaks Johnson's record

Arkansas:

Trinidad-born Kerron Clement broke Michael Johnson's world indoor record in the 400 meters at the US collegiate indoor track and field championships on Saturday. Clement's time of 44.57 seconds bettered the mark of 44.63, set by Michael Johnson on March 4, 1995. Terry Gatson of Arkansas was second in 45.29 and Kelly Willie of Louisiana State University third in 45.41. Darold Williamson, anchor of the Olympic gold medal 4 by 400-meter relay team in Athens, was fourth in 46.26.

Series of wins Clement, who wants to become a US citizen and compete for the United States internationally, won the US collegiate 400-meter hurdles outdoors last year, and considered that his best event until Saturday. There was a collective gasp from the crowd as the time was shown on the event scoreboard after he crossed the finish line. Clement's previous best in the 400 indoors was 45.29 on the same track two weeks ago. He was sixth in the 200 on Friday. He competes for the University of Florida. The record was the only world indoor mark held by Johnson, the five-time Olympic gold medallist. Johnson still holds the world outdoor records at 200 and 400 meters. (AP)