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Usain Bolt’s ‘triple triple’ on track as he cruises through 200m heats

De Grasse was initially reluctant to embrace sprinting, but Sharpe convinced the high school student of his potential.

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Speaking of world records – a few minutes before Bolt’s race, world champion Wayde van Niekerk of South Africa eclipsed what many thought was the most-unbreakable mark in the book – Michael Johnson’s 17-year-old run of 43.18 seconds in 400 meters. Tomorrow, I’ll show up with much better progress. I am the oldest guy in the field. As if he was out for a leisurely jog at Copacabana beach, Bolt turned and smiled at the pack, led by De Grasse, as if they were a bunch of school boys.

Bolt will return to the track Tuesday for the first round of the 200m, an event he has often described as his favorite.

He wasn’t the only one complaining.

The legendary athlete silenced all doubts over his form with a brisk 9.86 seconds to win the second semi-final in the event.

The champ starts slow, but closes in a blink.

Chris Turner of the IAAF said the tight schedule has been used in the past – most notably, at the Atlanta Games in 1996, when Donovan Bailey won gold and set a world record.

“I wanted to win the heat but the bends are really tight coming out of there”, Gemili told the BBC.

” It’s my favourite event so I get nervous”.

Justin Gatlin of the United States was second in 9.89 seconds.

The Bronze medallist from the 100m, Andre de Grasse, also came through easily.

“I don’t know who decided that”, Bolt said. He’s done it back to back from past year. “We don’t know, but it could be definitely debateable if that ever happens”.

The future of the sport might be in good hands – or legs – but Bolt is not ready to pass the torch just yet.

The rehab started immediately, with trips to Germany to see his doctor, then a warm-up 200 in London to prove to his Olympic committee that he was fit for the Olympics.

And that was why the swimming finals in Beijing in 2008 were held in the morning, not the night.

“I really want the 200 metres world record”. True to his trademark languid style, Bolt seemed to ease off in the final 10 metres but still had enough time to look around to ensure he comfortably beat the rest of the field.

He’s already bagged his 100m gold medal, and on this evidence, it’s hard to imagine anyone other than Usain Bolt winning the 200m final in Rio. “But, I knew when I got running I would be fine”, said Bolt. “However I just focused on my job and got it done”, he said.

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RIO DE JANEIRO-Losing is one thing. But it was still his third-fastest time at the Olympic Games.

Usain Bolt eases down on his way to victory in the 200m heats in Rio on Tuesday