“After that 2010 season I had run really well, broken 48 seconds for the first time and was ranked in the top three in the world,” said Greene.
“The European and Commonwealth victories gave me that confidence and it was a natural progression from there to try and get the top spot on the world podium.
“The success of the year before was pivotal going onto Daegu and created the feeling I could go and win in those championships. If I had not had that success, I don’t think I would have been in that mindset.
“I knew getting a medal was within my grasp. As the season unfolded I could see I was up there and within a chance. It was a two-horse race when we got to the Championships.”
Greene’s main rival appeared to be Puerto Rico’s Javier Culson, the World silver medallist in 2009 behind Kerron Clement who eventually failed to make the final in South Korea.
In that final, Greene’s rivals included reigning Olympic champion Angelo Taylor, 2004 winner Felix Sanchez, 2009 World bronze medallist Bershawn Jackson and the fastest man in the world that year, South African LJ van Zyl.
Greene was unfazed on the day of the race.
“I am always a little bit nervous in the village beforehand but when I got down to the track those sort of nerves dissipated and fizzled away,” recalled Greene.
“When I am in that sort of environment I feel in control, doing the same warm-up I have done 100 times before.
“I remember being in the belly of the stadium before we walked out and on the screen was Hannah England winning silver in the 1,500m. Seeing that gave me a lot of confidence and I grew in strength.”
