Aug 20, 2009, 17:32 GMT
Berlin - Michael Johnson said that Usain Bolt has the class to break his 400 metres world record, but that it will require dedication and hard training and not just showing up.
Johnson told a news conference on Thursday at the world championships that the Jamaican superstar can not expect to just take the record on appearing like he did in the 100m.
'(The record is) certain possible, he could certainly do it,' said Johnson, who set the record of 43.18 seconds 10 years ago in Seville, Spain.
'The 400m are different. I don't think he can come into the 400 like the 100. I can guarantee you it won't happen. You have to put in a lot of work and training.'
Bolt is reportedly considering a move to the quarter-mile race next year when there are no major championships.
Originally a 200m runner, Bolt added the 100m last year. He ran a world record 9.72 in May 2008, lowered the mark to 9.69 at the Beijing Olympics (despite easing up) and then shaved off another 11 hundredth on Sunday in Berlin for a sensational mark of 9.58 seconds.
Johnson named the record 'incredible' but also said 'it was obvious after last year that he could run faster.'
However, Johnson expressed his doubts whether Bolt would also raise his 200m record later Thursday. Johnson lost his record of 19.32 from 1996 to Bolt last year when the Jamaican ran 19.30 at the Olympics.
'I think he is very tired,' said Johnson ahead of Bolt's eighth race in Berlin. 'Any time Usain Bolt is on the track a world record is possible, but tonight it is less likely.'
Johnson was not the only one to bow before Bolt on the eve of his 23rd birthday Friday.
The governing Berlin senate said it planned a special honour for Bolt on the final day of the championships Sunday, with major Klaus Wowereit to hand him a gift.
'We want to say thank you to Usain Bolt in a special way at the end of the worlds on Sunday. We have seen one of most outstanding achievements in athletics history from him which we want to honour with a special gesture,' said senate spokesman Richard Meng.
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