The Bolt Show moves on to the 200 at Olympics
LONDON, England(AP) — Get ready for more of The Bolt Show.
Usain Bolt dropped by Olympic Stadium for a brief visit Monday night and did things his way, as usual, jumping to the top step of the medal podium to collect his second consecutive gold for the 100 meters.
When the Jamaican sensation returns to the track today, it’ll be for the first round of the 200metres, an event he’s planning to win, too, as part of his quest to become what he calls a “living legend.”
As it is, Bolt and Carl Lewis are the only men to take home back-to-back golds in the 100m.
No man ever has won two Olympic 200s.
After his victory Sunday in the shorter event in 9.63 seconds — the second-fastest time in history — Bolt was asked whether he’s the best sprinter ever. His reply revealed a rare bit of modesty from a guy who tends to showboat aplenty, then backs it up when it’s race time.
“I can’t say that. I think I have to wait until the 200 metres, and then my fans got to say, ‘Yes, he is,’ and the media’s got to say, ‘Yes he is.’ I’m never going to say I’m the greatest until after my 200 metres.”
That’s his favourite race, the one in which he holds the world record of 19.19, set at the 2009 world championships. The 200 semifinals are on Wednesday, and the final is Thursday night.
Once again, Bolt figures to face a tough challenge from his Jamaican teammate and training partner, Yohan Blake, who took the silver in the 100m on Saturday. Blake beat Bolt in both sprints at the National Olympic trials.
“I’ve told Yohan Blake that 200 metres will be different, because that’s my signature event. I’m not going to let him beat me again. I’ve said that to him already,” Bolt said. “Remember I said that, Yohan.”