RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil, CMC — Jamaican sprint sensation Usain Bolt has warned he will be gunning for the World record in the 200 metres, when he lines in the half-lap at the Rio Olympics in a week’s time.
The 28-year-old currently holds the record of 19.19 seconds which was set seven years ago at the Berlin World Championships, and the charismatic multiple-time Olympic sprint champion said he was keen on going below 19 seconds.
I really want it (world record). I really, really want that one. I’ve always wanted to run sub-19. I’ve always focused on that,” Bolt told a media conference here.
“I think it’s going to be a little bit harder because I missed out on trials and a week of training in the last part of the season. [But] you never know. After the 100 rounds it always helps my 200 so hopefully that will help and I can go on and run fast so I’m looking forward to it.
Bolt enters what is expected to be his final Olympics, chasing an unprecedented clean sweep of the sprint events for a third straight Games after dominating Beijing 2008 and London 2012.
And he said while he was always confident about the 100 metres, it was his pet event, the 200m, which always presented butterflies.
“I think I am more nervous over the 200 metres than anything else, for some reason. I always get nervous but the 100 is never really as stressful,” he said.
“I know where I am weakest and I know where I am strongest so for me it’s all about getting it right and I’ll be fine. But for some reason when I get to the 200m, I’m always nervous right throughout the rounds — from the day I start until the final.”
Over the last month, Bolt’s fitness has been under a cloud, especially after he was forced to withdraw from the Jamaica trials due to injury.
But he said he had worked his way into great shape for the Rio Games, noting he was always intent on being at his best for the big moments.
“As a young kid, you grow up looking forward to the big games. I think over the years having really gotten into it, championships are what matters,” he stressed.
“So for me, I always work towards these championships and try and do my best here and always come out here and give it 150 per cent always.
Before he competes in the 200m, Bolt will take aim at the 100m when the rounds get going on Saturday.
