Olympic 400m champion creates LaShawn Merritt foundation - IAAF Online Diaries

Olympic 400m champion LaShawn Merritt is now back in training fully focused on carrying the momentum from his Beijing triumph forward to the IAAF World Championships this summer in Berlin. But hes kept very busy off the track as well. After the season, I pretty much just relaxed, just enjoyed myself. I had a great season, so enjoyed my six weeks off. There was a parade when I finally ended my season, it was great! The whole town of Portsmouth came out. It really was an experience of a lifetime. Before the Olympics, we had a big cookout in Portsmouth, with everybody wishing me luck. This time they were ready to celebrate.