Chapter 679: Another King Falls from the Altar
Chapter 679: Another King Falls from the Altar
After Zhao Yun finished the game, he began to rest and maintain his health backstage.
The competition continued with the fifth group, and the intensity was upgraded again, with the current world record holder Van Niekerk and last Olympic champion Killarney James competing for the ticket to the semi-finals.
Also in this group is Michael Norman, who has performed well in major competitions in recent years.
The fifth group's match began, and the atmosphere heated up again. The audience stood up one after another, looking forward to this exciting duel.
Van Niekerk, the world record holder, attracted everyone's attention as soon as he appeared. He was tall, with well-defined muscles, and every step he took seemed so steady and powerful. His eyes were full of determination and confidence, as if this game was just a piece of cake for him.
And Kirani James, the champion of the last Olympic Games, should not be underestimated either. He has excellent speed and explosive power, and can quickly gain an advantage every time he starts. His smile reveals calmness and composure, as if he is ready to face all challenges.
Michael Norman, who has performed well in major competitions in recent years, has also attracted much attention. He is good at middle-distance competitions, but he also has good strength in the 400m event. His competition style is steady and passionate, and he always brings surprises to the audience.
After the start of the game, all three players showed their outstanding strength. Van Niekerk quickly took the lead with his powerful explosive power, while Killarney James and Michael Norman followed closely behind and started a fierce competition.
During the competition, the audience kept exclaiming and praising. They cheered for the outstanding performance of the players and were also nervous about the exciting competition.
In the end, Van Niekerk successfully won a ticket to the semi-finals with his outstanding performance and stable rhythm. Killarney James and Michael Norman also showed good strength, but they failed to surpass Van Niekerk in the end.
Final ranking:
South Africa: Van Niekerk: 44
Grenada, Keelani James, 44
Michael Norman, United States, 44
........
Zhao Yun saw the result of the game while resting backstage and was amazed by Van Niekerk's outstanding performance.
"Van Niekerk has become a lot stronger this time!" said Zhao Yun.
Wang Zijie asked, "Why do you say that?"
Zhao Yun watched Van Niekerk move freely on TV and said, "Van Niekerk was very good before, but he was a little unstable. His main problem was his stamina. But now, with such fierce competition, he can still be so relaxed and achieve such a good result. It shows that he still has a lot of energy to spare."
"Indeed, what you said makes sense." Wang Zijie nodded in agreement. "Van Niekerk's performance this time was indeed eye-catching. His physical strength seems to be better than before, which makes him more comfortable in the game."
"That's right." Zhao Yun continued, "Also, his pace and breathing are very stable. This shows that he can control his rhythm well during the game and will not let his opponent's performance disrupt his plan."
"So, how do you think he will perform in the final?" Wang Zijie asked curiously.
Zhao Yun pondered for a while, then said: "I think he will perform better. He has found his rhythm now and has overcome his physical problems. As long as he maintains this state in the final, I believe he will be able to achieve good results."
"Then let's wait and see." Wang Zijie said with a smile, "I hope he can bring us a wonderful game."
In Zhao Yun's mind, the only variable in the 400 meters is Van Niekerk. No one knows what level Van Niekerk and Bolt will perform at when they enter the zone.
He knew the next games would be more intense and difficult.
Group 6 is led by American superstar LaShawn Merritt, Jamaican rising star Bloomfield, and British star Hughes.
The gunshots rang out, and the three rushed out like arrows from a bow. LaShawn Merritt took the lead, his strides were big and fast, and Bloomfield and Hughes were chasing closely.
However, in the last 100 meters, LaShawn Merritt's speed gradually slowed down and his expression became painful.
It turned out that he was injured during the game.
Bloomfield and Hughes took the opportunity to speed up and overtake him.
In the end, Bloomfield advanced to the semi-finals as the first in the group, followed by Hughes. The third place was won by the unknown Trinidad and Tobago player Randall.
LaShawn Merritt helplessly watched his opponent walk away, knowing that his Olympic journey might be over.
His era is over and there will be no chance for him to participate in the next Olympics.
When LaShawn Merritt fell behind, the crowd was on its feet.
Zhao Yun was also staring at the screen seriously in the back.
Everyone knew the result, and everyone felt sad for the 400-meter king.
This old king overcame all kinds of difficulties just to stand on the Olympic stage and perform his last dance.
Although LaShawn Merritt is a little older, everyone thinks he will at least make it to the semifinals or even the finals.
However, the outcome of the race is always full of unknowns and variables. Although LaShawn Merritt tried his best, he still failed to achieve his goal in the end. He walked out of the track tiredly, with reluctance and loss written all over his face. The audience stood up and paid their deepest respects and blessings to him.
Zhao Yun also felt this heavy atmosphere backstage. He knew how much effort LaShawn Merritt had put in for the Olympics and understood his feelings at the moment. He walked to the screen and silently looked at the back of the old king, his heart full of respect and regret.
"LaShawn Merritt! This name shines for an era, he is an absolute superstar in the 400m event. Although his Olympic journey has ended, another superstar has fallen from the altar, but his spirit is always worth learning from." Commentator Yang Jian also said with great regret, "He used his hard work and persistence to prove that age is not an obstacle to dreams. He showed us that as long as there is a dream in our hearts, there are endless possibilities."
The audience expressed their agreement and everyone stood up and applauded the king.
They sent their most sincere blessings to LaShawn Merritt. Although his Olympic journey has ended, his spirit will always inspire people to pursue their dreams and move forward courageously.
"In this sports arena full of competition and uncertainty, every athlete is writing his or her own story with his or her sweat and hard work. They may not win in the end, but their spirit and dedication will always be remembered by people."
The former superstars have disappeared from the stage of history one after another. These famous athletes and Olympic champions who accompanied our youth will be difficult to see again once we miss them.
Zhao Yun couldn't help but sigh: "Times change, new people emerge, but their brilliant achievements will always remain in people's hearts."
Wang Zijie also echoed: "Yes, but the new generation will always push the old generation forward, and we should also believe that the new generation will create new miracles."
Today, there are four kings of the 400 meters, Zhao Yun, Killarney James, Van Niekerk, and Rashawn Merritt. With the withdrawal of Rashawn Merritt's "The Last Dance", who can fill his vacancy has also appeared in people's minds.
The game continues!
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