Powered by a sense of fun and fast food, the fastest man on the planet has a typically relaxed outlook on the prospect of running even quicker.
Powered by a sense of fun and fast food, the fastest man on the planet has a typically relaxed outlook on the prospect of running even quicker.
ADVERTISEMENT
"I always say anything is possible. I don't know if I'll be the next one to break the world record next time but anything is possible," said Usain Bolt after smashing his own world record for the 100 metres.
This time there was no early celebration or shoelace flapping in the breeze, but still there appears a room for improvement given an even better start, a faster track and maybe even a desperate lunge for the line.
"I'm just happy I won," the 22-year-old insisted. "Running 9.5 was definitely a big thing so I'm proud of myself because I'm the first man to have done that. I'm proud I did well.
"I got a good start, that was my main aim. My drive phase was good. I got out of my drive phase and saw I was leading so when I got to 50m I knew it was going to be hard to get past me because it's the strongest part of the race. I ran through the line, I just looked over my shoulder a little bit (before the line) and overall it was a good race."
Defending champion Tyson Gay of the United States was second in a national record of 9.71 the third fastest time ever with Bolt's team-mate Asafa Powell third in 9.84.
And Bolt revealed Powell may have been trying to steal a march on his compatriot by feeding him duff information about his favourite pre-race meal. "Asafa said there were no nuggets but I found a McDonalds and had a lot of nuggets actually for lunch!" added Bolt, who had revealed his interesting eating habits last year in Beijing.
A little fast food was the extent of Bolt's relaxation with the 200m heats starting today, although he feels a repeat of Beijing where he won gold and broke the world record is not on the cards.
Going to be fun
"I doubt I'm going to get the world record in the 200m," added Bolt, who collected a USD100,000 bonus for his world record last night. I'm just going to do my best like I always do. You can always expect me to go out and run my heart out. It's going to be fun."
Fun certainly seems to be the watchword around Bolt, who is happy to laugh and joke with his competitors and the crowd until the very last seconds before the start of a race.
That may have contributed to Bolt's false start in the semi-finals, but he has no plans to change his relaxed approach.
"I train all year round to run the 100m so I know what I've got to do. When I go in the blocks I know what's necessary so for me I can have all the fun I want before the race. But when the starter says 'On your marks' I just re-focus and then start to go. I know what I got to do already so there is no worries.
"For me track and field is what I do. The competition between me, Tyson and Asafa is making the sport big and that's we are working on. We just continue running fast times and people will want to come and support track and field, we're just trying to get more sponsors so we can enjoy life!"
Bolt also remains refreshingly modest about his achievements, insisting when asked about his legendary status: "I don't think two seasons can do it. I think I have to keep winning year after year."
Britain's Dwain Chambers was sixth in the final in a season's best of 10.00, but admitted 'Project Bolt' had proved a bit too much to ask for.
"I can't complain whatsoever," said the 31-year-old. "For me it was great to put into effect Project Bolt. It was great fun trying it but a trip to the moon was beyond me.
"I was so envious last year but I got my opportunity to experience it this time around and to come away with a season's best is a great feeling."
"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!