OSLO, Norway CMC – Sprint sensation Usain Bolt said yesterday he had flirted with the idea of running 18 seconds in the 200 metres, but reiterated that his immediate focus was the successful defence of his sprint titles at the London Olympics later this year. The 25-year-old Jamaican currently owns both sprint records after storming to 19.19 seconds in the 200 metres and 9.58 seconds in the 100 metres at the Berlin World Championships three years ago.
“You can’t pinpoint the time but over the years, me and my coach (Glen Mills) have discussed 18 seconds, running under 19. It’s just a thought, we haven’t really said it’s possible that I could do it,” said Bolt, ahead of his outing at the Bislett Diamond League here yesterday.
“If everything goes well, execution is right, you never know, it could be possible.
“The record in the 200m is easier to lower because there’s a lot more room for improvement. You can always execute the corner and the straight a little better so there’s always room to run fast over the 200m.”
Bolt is yet to debut in the 200 metres this season but is already the world-leader in the 100 metres with a time of 9.76 in Rome last week.
He pointed out that while the half-lap remained his pet event, the 100m title was still the most sought after in track and field.
“I love my 200m and that’s what I always dreamed to be, the 200m champion, because that’s what I started out in,” Bolt explained.
“But the 100m is the glory event and I definitely want to double.”
While Bolt will enter the London Olympics as the heavy favourite, resurgent American Justin Gatlin announced himself as a serious contender after clocking 9.87 seconds in Doha recently.
However, Bolt said he saw the entire field as a threat and not just one runner.
“Nobody wants to be second or third place. Everybody wants gold so it’s what you do on the day that counts. That’s what everybody wants – gold,” Bolt contended.
“There’s a lot or running left to go. I’m never worried about one direct person; it’s about seven persons in the lanes beside me. I focus on what I do, my technique. I’m just looking forward to my (Jamaica) trials first and then the Olympics.”