Bolt, who last Saturday regained his 100m world title, lost in Daegu because he false-started in the final, had two easy rounds of 200m yesterday.
However, the world sprint double record-holder, said he always feels tired after the semi-finals of the 200m, but told journalists, “I will be flushing my legs out with some ice bath, have a good night rest and I should be okay (for the final).”
Bolt is seeking to become the first man to win, not only three 200m titles, but also at consecutive championships.
“I am going out there to run my hardest, hopefully everything will work out,” he said, while adding “I am not worried, I never really worried in a final, but never take anyone lightly.”
“I am definitely going out there to run. I am not going to hold anything back. I am going to push myself and see how fast I can run,” he promised.
After the heats in the morning, Bolt said he is not a morning person, but added “I am feeling good” and that “the race was easy”.
Later in the semifinals, Bolt again took it very easy, but this time just finished ahead of South Africa’s Anaso Jobodwana, who looked desperate for the win. Bolt looked across on Jobodwana as they almost crossed the line together – 20.12 to 20.13.
Bolt said even though it was the semifinal, he didn’t want to lose. “At the last minute when I was slowing down I heard the South African on my inside, I didn’t want to lose the race, so I just picked up then,” he said.
Meanwhile, two other Jamaicans – Warren Weir, the Olympic Games bronze medallist, and Nickel Ashmeade – also advanced to the final with 20.20 and 20.00 respectively.
Curtis Mitchell of USA with 19.97, personal best, and Great Britain’s Adam Gemili 19.98, also a career best, were the only two under 20 seconds.
Jamaica’s Jason Livermore (20.46), St Kitts and Nevis’ Antoine Adams (20.47) and Lalonde Gordon of Trinidad & Tobago (21.14) were the athletes from the region to exit at the semifinals stage.
In the women’s 100m hurdles, sisters Shermaine Williams 13.09 and Danielle Williams 13.11, along with their Jamaican teammate Andrea Bliss 13.20, and Trinidad & Tobago’s Aleesha Barber 13.33, booked places in the semifinals set for today.
Bolt promises to push to the limit in 200m final
SHARE THIS ARTICLE :
Facebook
Twitter
WhatsApp