Rooney pays the price for taking it easy

Martyn Rooney today admitted getting his preparation wrong as he finished a disappointing sixth in the 400metres final.

The Croydon athlete, 21, says he was "too relaxed" and needs to be more pumped up at major championships in the future. Rooney started slowly and was easily overtaken in the early stages by pre-race favourite Jeremy Wariner.

By the time his strength started to show in the home straight the leaders - including winner LaShawn Merrit of the US and runner-up Wariner - were too far clear.

Rooney, who finished well outside his personal best in 45.12sec, said: "Next time round I'll try and get a bit more excited - I was too relaxed all day. I think if I'd been a bit more up for it and a bit more nervous who knows what would have happened."

Liverpool athlete Michael Rimmer, still suffering the effects of food poisioning, was outclassed in the 800m as he failed to make the final.