AUCKLAND, NEW Zealand (CMC)- Sprint sensation Usain Bolt yesterday announced plans to defend his Olympic 100 and 200 metres titles in Rio de Janeiro in 2016 and not switch disciplines. Bolt has previously hinted he could seek a new challenge in Rio, saying he wanted to have a go at the long jump, while he has continually been linked with the 400m, despite repeatedly insisting he does not want to step up in distance.
But, speaking on a trip to New Zealand, the world’s fastest man confirmed his only intention is to go for a third defence of his sprint crowns in Brazil.
“Rio is about going and defending my titles,” Bolt said in Auckland.
“I don’t want to try any different events at Rio, because at Rio I will just defend my titles to show the world that there is a possibility that I can do it again. To do the three-peat, that is the focus.”
Bolt declared himself a “living legend” after retaining his 100 and 200 metres crowns in London this summer, as well as being a member of his country’s victorious 4x100m relay team.
His main focus for next year is the World Championships in Moscow and he claimed he would not be taking things easy now the Olympics are over.
“It’s all about hard work. When I was doing great when I was young, people used to say I was fast for my age, but I have put a lot of work in since I was a senior athlete,” said Bolt.
“I continue to work hard, continue staying focused and pushing myself so for me that’s the focus right now to see how fast I can go and I definitely try to go faster each year.”