“I knew this was the only way I was going to make myself feel better, to get back to training and go after that world record”, she said.
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“I tried to hold my form”.
Bolt, speaking at the end of the race in London, “I have not been able to a good start; but able to finish the race without any injury, but I’m happy”.
Mo Farah set himself up for the defence of his twin Olympic titles in Rio by claiming a dominant 5,000 metres victory with an impressive display of front-running at the Muller Anniversary Games. One day, athletics will have to wave goodbye to his “Lightning Bolt” salute.
“You want to be running your fastest times in Rio”.
Holland’s world champion Dafne Schippers stormed to a 200m win in 22.13. “I came out here with vengeance to show what I could do”.
Her winning time took 0.04 off her previous PB and 0.01 off the previous world record set in 1988 by Yordanka Donkova.
“I just wanted to go for it. I just have to keep my feet on the ground and stay patient but I’m excited”.
The time ranks her second in the world this year, making her a medal contender in Rio.
That the world record was broken mere weeks after the Olympic trials by a hurdler who did not make the USA team raises sticky questions among American athletes, especially when the trials are tougher than the worldwide competition.
Even sweeter for Harrison was finishing ahead of compatriots Brianna Rollins and Kristi Castlin, who both qualified for the Olympics ahead of her. “I wasn’t that impressed”, he added of his performance.
“I didn’t think like that at trials”. “I laughed when I heard it”. The only time she has run quicker was en route to London 2012 gold in 12.54. “I’m back”, Harrison said to herself.
As is always the case at the Olympic Stadium, world record holder Renaud Lavillenie – who has never been beaten in this part of east London – won the men’s pole vault.
Usian Bolt, who turns 30 next month, will be looking a for a triple gold medal in 100m, 200m and 4x400m relay.
There were a couple of victories for British women on the fast newly-laid track: Laura Muir in the 1,500 as well as the quartet of Asha Philip, Desiree Henry, Dina Asher-Smith and Daryll Neita in the 4X100-meter relay. Bolt will once again compete in these three track and field events at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio as he looks to race off into the sunset with another three medals for his Olympic accolades.
Brazil was second in 42.59secs France were third in 42.84sec.
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The same thing happened to him at the European Championships final in Amsterdam earlier this month.
