Bolt made to work harder for win in Oslo
OSLO: Jamaica’s world record holder, Usain Bolt, blamed a new type of starting blocks after being made to work for victory in the 100m at the Diamond League meeting in Oslo yesterday.
Bolt found himself in the unusual position of being second, behind compatriot Asafa Powell with 10m to go, before edging ahead to win in a meeting record of 9.79 seconds.
“The blocks have changed from last season,” the Olympic champion told a news conference.
“For me, when I came on the blocks, the reaction was good but the execution – because I was less comfortable – execution from the blocks was not that good.
“I’m not very happy with my new blocks. I think I need to go back to the old blocks.”
“When I get everything all right, I can really relax and be myself. Now there are a few things I need to work on, so in trying to get those things first and then I can get back to be myself,” Bolt added.
After crossing the line, Bolt collided with a flower girl on the track, catching her as she stumbled and then hugging her with a big grin on his face.
Powell’s time of 9.85 was his best of the season and Lerone Clarke com- pleted a Jamaican sweep of the top three with a time of 10.10.
Powell, who had been well beaten by Bolt in Rome a week ago, appeared much happier with his performance this time out.
“It was a season best, which is what I need right now, to keep improving,” the former world record holder said. “This is not the Olympics and I wasn’t really training for this event. This means that it (the Olympics) is going to be awesome.”
Australia’s 100m hurdler Sally Pearson, who like Bolt is red-hot favourite to win her event at the Olympics, appeared none the worse for wear after her 29-hour trip to Norway with a comfortable victory in 12.49, equalling her world-leading time.
The world champion led from start to finish and finished clear of American Kristi Castlin. – Reuters