Usain Bolt
Usain Bolt, the 100-meter world record-holder will make his season debut in Golden Gala meet, his first race since getting beat by Tyson Gay in Stockholm last August to end his two-year unbeaten streak.
Bolt has been quoted saying that the loss to Gay changed “absolutely nothing”. After the loss to Gay, Bolt ended last season early due to back and Achilles’ tendon problems.
He said and is quoted “You lose some and you win some. You never win every race in your entire career. Last season wasn’t my best season. It was kind of my season downtime for me. This season I am back in business. I want to prove to the world that I’m still the best.” Bolt recently got approval to race again from a physician in Munich.
He also mentioned “For the first time I’m slightly nervous — I haven’t run in so long.” “I’m always calm and relaxed. As I said I’m a little bit nervous, but I know I’m getting in shape. Me and my coach have done a lot of work leading up to this race.” “The doctor gave me the go ahead,” he said. “I wouldn’t say I’m in perfect shape but good shape, so I’m looking forward to competing.”
“I’ve been doing a lot of work strength-wise, core-wise, that’s why I may look a little different,” he said, noting that he needs to improve his starts. “What has really bothered me over the years is the first 30 meters, because I’m tall. I’ve been working on it.”
Bolt will face compatriot and former world record-holder Asafa Powell, as well as European champion Christophe Lemaitre at the Stadio Olimpico.
“I’m not really expecting anything, I’m just going out there to see where I’m at and see what I need to do for the world championships,” he said. “These meets are stepping stones for the world championships. My whole focus this year is just to work toward the world championships.”
Tags: Asafa Powell, Athletics, Christophe Lemaitre, Golden Gala Meet, Rome, Stadio Olimpico, Usain Bolt, World Championships
