Rumours of rift in relay squad denied
RISING star Steve Solomon insists there are no problems between members of the Australian 4x400m relay team ahead of the first round tonight.
The selection of the 19-year-old to run in the individual 400m event was publicly criticised by teammate John Steffensen, who labelled the decision racist.
Neither athlete had run an "A" qualifier before the Games, but Solomon (pictured) justified the faith of selectors by running a personal best of 44.97 in the semi-final to make the final, where he finished last.
"There's no conflict between John and I," Solomon said yesterday.
"We've been chatting and laughing together, so we're just really happy and coming together as a team, and hopefully doing the best we can for ourselves and Australia."
Solomon added he was confident the team could win a medal in the relay.
"I think our Australian 4x4 team is a really formidable team," he said.
"On paper we've got all 44-second runners. We're probably up there with the best teams in the world. We're all coming into really good form."
The relay heats start at 11.35pm.
