LaShawn Merritt of the United States gestures after the men's 400m final at the National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, during Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Aug. 21, 2008. LaShawn Merritt won the title with 43.75 seconds. (Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    BEIJING, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- The United States started on Thursday evening to show its muscles seven days into the track and field competition at the Beijing Olympic Games, sweeping the medals in the men's 400m race.

    World championship silver medalist LaShawn Merritt, with his personal best of 43.75-second Olympic run, toppled the reigning Olympic and world champion Jeremy Wariner, who had occupied the top place in the lap running for a few years.

    Wariner, who particularly chose a pair of shiny silver track shoes in hope for his second Olympic title, used up his energy in final strides and finished in 44.74 seconds, the second place.

    David Neville clocked 44.80 seconds and secured Team U.S.A. the bronze.

    This has been the seventh time that American athletes won the men's 400m gold consecutively at the Olympics.

LaShawn Merritt (C) of the United States kisses his fingers towards the sky during the awarding ceremony for the men's 400m final at the National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, during Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Aug. 21, 2008. LaShawn Merritt won the title with 43.75 seconds. (Xinhua/Li Ga) Photo Gallery>>>