CZECH REPUBLIC: ATHLETICS - Usain Bolt says he will be in shape of his life for London 2012

Record ID: 860289

  • Title: CZECH REPUBLIC: ATHLETICS - Usain Bolt says he will be in shape of his life for London 2012
  • Date: 19th May 2012
  • Summary: OSTRAVA, CZECH REPUBLIC (MAY 23, 2012) (REUTERS) USAIN BOLT ARRIVING AT OSTRAVA ATHLETIC STADIUM
  • Embargoed: 3rd June 2012 13:00
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  • Location: Czech Republic
  • City:
  • Country: Czech Republic
  • Topics: Sports
  • Reuters ID: LVA3ULG9XV5LPT1GW3M2FBRXPVB5
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  • Story Text: Usain Bolt, the fastest man on the planet, believes says he will be in better shape at London 2012 than when he shattered the world record at the Bird's Nest Stadium in Beijing.
    Bolt is guaranteed to be one of the stars of this summer's Olympics as he attempts to improve his world-best mark for the 100m of 9.58seconds.
    The Jamaican set that time in Berlin at the 2009 World Championships after clocking 9.69 at the 2008 Olympics, but has embarked on a fitness programme that will see him in better shape than the last games.
    Speaking in the Czech Republic city of Ostrava ahead of Friday's (May 25) Golden Spike meeting, Bolt also insisted that he is mentally over the false start that saw him disqualified from last year's 100m final at the World Championships in South Korea.
    "Technical wise we've been working a lot on my start we have been reviewing a few things and seeing how we could improve we have definitely been working on my strength, we are trying to surpass my fitness over Beijing and Berlin, we are working on trying to run faster and try and improve my whole aspect of running."
    On the topic of the false start, Bolt said: "One thing I learnt from the false start in Daegu was definitely to be myself. I was a little bit anxious because I went through the season doing really bad when it comes to my starts. When I got to Daegu and everything came together. I was slightly, I wouldn't say surprised, but surprised I guess, that it came together then, but then when I got to the finals I was so anxious because I was doing so well I lost focus and I false started, so I have just learned to be myself because in the 200m I was right back to being just me and it wasn't a problem. It won't bother me. I think I am over the false start because I know exactly why I false started, so I don't think it will be a factor at the Olympics because I am really focussed on what I want."
    Bolt will face stiff competition in London from compatriot Yohan Blake and a rejuvenated USA sprint team, but he welcomed the challenge of having more world class athletes snapping at his heels..
    "It is good for the sport and shows the intensity of the competition is good and it is going to be a great season," he said. "You can never be worried about one person or many persons. For me, I will focus on what I have to do. I know what I have to do to be a champion so I am working on it. I am never worried as long as I am in great shape and focused and confident that I can go there. I am happy where I am at and I am working to be getting better during the season."
    As well as talking to the media, Bolt met local children and ran on the track with them, and even found time to taste some local chocolate.
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