An hour after securing his third successive Olympic 100 meters gold late Sunday, Usain Bolt was still patiently making his way through another 100 meters – the zig-zag “mixed zone” where TV crews from around the world wait to snatch a sound bite.
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The semi-finals take place on Wednesday, with the final rounding off Thursday’s programme at the Olympic Stadium.
Bolt is halfway through what may be the final chapter of a historic Olympic “triple-double” in the men’s sprints, as he hopes to add the 200m gold to the 100m crown for the third consecutive Games.
Bolt’s final Olympic race, assuming two-time defending champion Jamaica qualifies for the 4×100-meter final, will be held Friday at 9:35 p.m.
“I didn’t really run that hard”.
While Bolt’s exodus from competition is still a matter speculation, De Grasse’s first track coach believes the 21-year-old Markham, Ont. -native will become a leading force in the marquee event as he evolves as an athlete.
“I think if I can get a good night’s rest after the semifinals, it’s possible”, he said, according to the Guardian.
Both the legendary Usain Bolt, who will celebrate his 30th birthday on the day of the closing ceremonies, and the American silver medalist, Justin Gatlin who is now 34, are expected to retire soon, leaving the field wide open the Andre De Grasse.
“I was a little exhausted, but it was a morning session and I’m not a very good morning person, ” Bolt said.
“A lot of athletes might perform well, but it’s more important to perform at the right time … that’s the kind of character he is”. “I hate mornings. The 200m is my favourite event so that’s why I get nervous”.
Bolt unlaced his now-famous gold spikes and took selfies with the fans. “I’m not happy with the schedule, and hopefully, they’ll change it back”. American LaShawn Merritt’s 19.74-second showing at the Olympic trials on July 8 was the fastest 200-meters run by anyone this year.
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“I wasn’t anxious; after the semis I think my confidence went way up because I knew I executed really well”. “Nobody is ideal. Just because he went through a little incident doesn’t make him a bad person”.
