Usain Bolt has promised to “wow” the world with his performances at the 2012 London Olympic Games. The Jamaica sprinter is the reigning Olympic 100 metres and 200 metres champion after some dazzling displays in Beijing four years ago, where he also helped the Caribbean island in the 4x100m relay gold medal. World record holder in both individual sprint disciplines, Bolt endured a relatively modest start to the European track season but was back into top form when winning the Rome Diamond League 100m in 9.76 seconds on Thursday.
“I know I can go faster because this is the start of the season. I have a long way to go,” Bolt said in London on Friday, where he was launching Jamaica’s Bob Marley-inspired kit.
“I’m really looking forward to competing here. I haven’t competed in London for a while so I’m really looking forward to it.”
Bolt said he would seek inspiration from London’s Jamaican community, adding: “I know all the Jamaicans living here are looking forward to it also so I’m just preparing to put on a great show. “At the end of the day I just want to wow people after this Olympics so I’m looking forward to it.”
Asked whether he will need to improve on 9.76secs to win gold, and whether he can go faster, Bolt said: “That’s what I do. “The season is still early. Everybody is running 9.8 so that’s good competition. 9.7 is also good for me. “I’m happy with the way it is and just want to continue working hard and run faster so I’m looking forward to it. I’m ready to go.”
Bolt ‘only’ managed a 10.04sec run in winning the 100m in Ostrava last week, but he said: “I never doubt my ability, never. People forget, and I keep explaining to people, that athletes have bad days. “Every athlete can – cricket, football, any sport – you have bad days and that was just one of mine and I got past it and now I’m just moving forward.” Bolt’s triple Olympic triumph in Beijing was powered on a diet of chicken nuggets — but there will be no repeat of that in London.
“The good thing about the fact we are in London is there will be a lot of Jamaican food – the only thing I have to worry about is putting on weight,” he said. “There will be no chicken nuggets this year.” The Jamaican kit was designed by Cedella Marley, who drew inspiration from her father and his music.
