MONTE-CARLO, Monaco (CMC) – Sprint superstar Usain Bolt is confident he can brush off his early-season malaise and shine at the final Diamond League meet of his career in Monaco here tomorrow.
Speaking at a press briefing yesterday, the 30-year-old said he was slowly working his way into shape but would not be intimidated by his opposition as he continued his build-up to the London World Championships next month.
“I’m feeling good, the season started off slow for me. I had a setback after my friend Germaine (Mason) passed away,” Bolt said in reference to the Jamaica-born British high jumper who died in a motorcycle crash in Jamaica last April.
“I’ve been a little behind schedule, but I am training well. I’m feeling much better over the past couple of days because I went to see my doctor in Germany; I’ve been training good, so that’s a good sign.”
Bolt will enter the World Championships with question marks over his form after battling injury and poor times that have seen him fail to break the 10-second barrier in two races this year.
Tomorrow, he will run the 100m in Monaco and all eyes will be on the Jamaican to gauge his form.
He will be up against South African Akani Simbine and American Chris Belcher – two of the fastest men in the world this year.
Bolt also confirmed he would sign off on his glittering career at the World Championships with the 100 metres and 4x100m relay but would not compete in the half lap.
He will be the main attraction at the August 4-13 showpiece at the Olympic Stadium as he bids farewell to a sport he has dominated for the last decade.
“My main aim is just to win. I just want to retire on a winning note,” he stressed.
Bolt has traditionally raced in all three sprints, sweeping the marquee events at the last three Olympiads and four World Championships – barring in Daegu when he was disqualified in the 100 metres for a false start.
The 100m final is scheduled for the second day at the Olympic final while the sprint relay final comes off a week later on the penultimate day of the event.