"It's important to put down a strong marker and try to win the race by the biggest possible margin, for the biggest psychological advantage going into London," said the 33-year-old.
Another reigning champion, Martyn Rooney, laid down a marker by easing down to win his 400m heat in 46.57.
11 03 John King with his magic-marker fingers says that Obama needs to win Lake County with around 58-60 percent of the remaining votes.
"When I raced at the Prefontaine meeting [in Oregon] last year I had to win and put a marker down.
"It would be nice for us to win and put down a marker.
Ashley Young sends the ball into the penalty area, John Terry leaps to win it in the air, but his marker Yaroslav Rakitsky wins the duel.
During a brief spell, the Australian had threatened to lay down an even more serious marker in his bid to become only the fourth player to win back-to-back Green Jackets.
And during a critical meeting to win approval for her customized major, electronic art, she intently circled the freckles on her arm with a marker.
To win, and then to win again.
