Bolt eyes 200m record, open to 300m showdown with Wayde
Usain Bolt believes a new 200m world record is a possibility as he embarks on the next leg of his race for immortality at the Rio Olympics today.
The world’s fastest man electrified Rio on Sunday by romping to a third consecutive gold in the 100m, the first leg of his bid for an amazing “triple triple.”
Bolt, who is desperate to better his 2009 world best of 19.19sec, said a new record could be on the cards as he geared up today’s opening round of the 200.
“I think if I can get a good night’s rest after the semifinals, it’s possible,” Bolt said.
“I’m going to leave it all on the track and do the best I possibly can,” he added.
Bolt has repeatedly said he wants to be the first man to dip under 19 seconds for the 200m.
That goal will probably remain elusive in Rio – Bolt’s fastest time for the 200m this year is 19.89sec, set in London last month.
Four men have run quicker over the distance this season, with LaShawn Merritt of the United States leading the times with a best of 19.74sec, set at the US Olympic trials in Eugene on July 8.
Justin Gatlin, silver medallist in Sunday’s 100m, is second fastest, clocking 19.75 last month.
The closest Bolt has come to his 2009 record is the 19.32sec he clocked in winning the gold at the London Olympics in 2012.
Meanwhile, Bolt has revealed that he was open to racing newly-appointed world 400m record holder Wayde van Niekerk over 300m.
In a thrilling night of action at Rio’s Olympic Stadium on Sunday, Van Niekerk crushed Michael Johnson’s 17-year-old world record when he timed 43.03 seconds to win gold in the one-lap race.
No sooner had he finished than Jamaican sprint king Bolt took to the track and stormed to a comprehensive victory in the 100m.
Bolt, 29, is world record holder in the 100 and 200m and said he would fancy his chances against the 24-year-old South African, but over 300m, not 400m.
