OSTRAVA, Czech Republic, CMC – Sprint phenomenon Usain Bolt headlines the star-studded list of entrants for the 49th edition of the Ostrava Golden Spike meet in the Czech Republic running today.
The world record holder in the 100 and 200 metres, Bolt will compete in the rare 300m race as he looks to maintain his unbeaten start to the international season.
It will be his first competitive run over the distance but the excited Jamaican, fresh from his 200m exploits at Sunday’s Diamond League meet in Shanghai, has done the trip before.
“I did a lot of 300s in training so I know the distance, but this will be my first in competition,” said the world’s fastest man on his fourth outing in Ostrava.
“I’m looking forward to it, I hope for a good time,”
Bolt also dismissed his 300m race as a stepping stone to the 400m, an event he has previously stated he dreads running.
His compatriot and women’s World and Olympic 100m champion, Shelly-Ann Fraser who also debuted her season in Shanghai on Sunday, will also be in action today.
It will be her first visit to the north-eastern Czech city and Fraser said she was brimming with excitement ahead of her dash for 100m glory.
“I am looking forward to running in Ostrava as I have never been here before. Seeing it’s my first time and I heard it is always wonderful here, great track and exciting fans,” she said.
“With those two ingredients I am looking forward to an exciting meeting.”
She will face opposition from Bahamian Chandra Sturrup and the Jamaican duo of Sheri-Ann Brooks and Schillonie Calvert.
Also down to compete is Jamaican Asafa Powell who will be up against sprint relay teammate Nesta Carter in the 100 metres.
His countrywoman, World and Olympic silver medalist Shericka Williams will battle for 400m supremacy when she lines up against reigning Olympic champion Christine Ohuruogu of Great Britain.
Dominant 110m hurdler Cuban Dayron Robles returns to the venue where he set the world record of 12.87 seconds in 2008, after missing most of 2009 due to injury.
In his first outdoor appearance last week in Daegu, he was beaten into second by American David Oliver but should have things all his way this time around.
