Merritt wins 400 for chance to defend gold

EUGENE, Ore. (AP) -- Olympic gold medalist LaShawn Merritt ran the 400 meters at the U.S. track trials in 44.12 seconds, best in the world this season, for a chance to defend his title in London.

Tony McQuay, winner at the NCAA championships earlier this month, was second in 44.49, and Bryshon Nellum of Southern California was third in 44.80 to earn the other two spots on the Olympic team.

Jeremy Wariner , the 2004 Olympic gold medalist before winning the silver in Beijing, finished sixth in 45.24, missing out on his chance to make a third Olympic team.

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