Usain Bolt: Jamaican sprinter says he is still fastest before World Championships
Usain Bolt says he is still the
fastest man in the world as he prepares for the final races of his
career at the World Championships in London.
Bolt, an eight-time Olympic champion and icon of world sport, has led one of the most illustrious athletics careers.
The Jamaican, 30, will run the 100m and 4x100m relay at the Worlds, which begin on Friday, before retiring.
"You guys know if I show up for a race that means I'm 100% confident," he said.
"I'm finally here, I've got the hype, I'm really excited and am looking forward to it.
"For
some reason I am the underdog again, because that is what I keep
reading, what my team keeps telling me, so I have got to prove myself
once more.
"But I am ready. It's go time, so let's go."
The men's 100m final is on Saturday, 5 August, while the men's 4x100m
relay race - which will mark the end of Bolt's career - is on the
following Saturday.
Bolt has won the 100m, 200m and 4x100m gold at the past three Olympic Games - Beijing 2008, London 2012 and Rio 2016.
However,
his unprecedented 'triple triple' of nine gold medals was downgraded to
eight after Jamaican team-mate Nesta Carter, who was part of the
quartet that won the 4x100m in Beijing, tested positive for a banned
substance. Carter has appealed against the decision.
Nevertheless,
Bolt's exploits remain unprecedented and he also holds the world record
in the 100m (9.58 seconds) and 200m (19.19).
Asked if he still believes he is the fastest in the world, the Jamaican replied: "Yeah, without a doubt.
"The last race I ran was a 9.95,
so that shows I am going in the right direction. After the two rounds
leading up to the 100m final, which always help me, it's all about who
keeps their nerve.
"I have been here many times. I know I am ready."
BBC
No comments
Your comments and Encouragement are welcome