Gatlin defeat doesn’t mean much, says Bolt
KINGSTON, Jamaica — It’s been four years since Usain Bolt last broke a world record in an individual event but the six-time Olympic champion says he’s not ruling it out for this season.
Bolt, who picked up a slight hamstring injury in late April, said he’s “getting into races to getting back into top shape.” He was speaking at a press conference in Oslo, Norway yesterday ahead of Thursday’s Diamond League meet in that city.
“My training will determine if I can get back to where I need to be to break a World record. It’s too early to say if I’m on course to do that; I’ll know more after I’ve done a few more races.”
He also said his loss to American Justin Gatlin last week doesn’t mean much as he’s always focused on championships, drawing on examples of his defeats in 2008 and 2012, both years he went on to win the 100m, 200m and sprint relay at the Olympic Games.
“A lot of athletes have shown up this season and are ready to go. Tyson (Gay) has the world lead, Gatlin is running good, Lemaitre then beat Gatlin, (Yohan) Blake is coming back. So there will be a lot of good competition throughout the year.”
Bolt will run the 200m at the Oslo meet and then focus on Jamaica’s National trials which are set for next weekend.