Triple Olympic champion Usain Bolt believes sprint rivals Asafa Powell and Tyson Gay will come out firing in 2009
PARIS: Triple Olympic champion Usain Bolt believes sprint rivals Asafa Powell and Tyson Gay will come out firing in 2009, determined to mount a supercharged response to his record-breaking exploits.
Bolt picked up three golds at Beijing as well as setting three world records. Powell, the former 100m world record holder was a poor fifth in the Olympic final while American Gay, the world champion, missed the final after seeing his preparations hit by a hamstring injury.
“It’s going to be a major thing with me and Asafa,” Bolt said. “Also Tyson. He was injured so he’s coming back even better next season. It’s all about business because it’s our job and we go out there to be champions, so I’m definitely looking forward to next season. It’s going to be bigger next year because I think he’ll be in better shape early in the season to do great things, so I’m definitely looking forward to that.”
The trio are set to dominate sprinting next year with the highlight of their rivalry being the world championships in Berlin.
Bolt also explained the thinking behind his extravagant gestures on the track which have delighted fans, but have tended to infuriate officials.
“My body (language) is just a gesture to the world. It’s a thing we do in Jamaica. It’s actually a dance, but I just took it and turned it into my move.
“After the 100m I did a dance called The Sweep and after the 200m I did one called The Gutty Cooper.”
And the famous pointing gesture to the heavens before each race?
“That’s just messing around. That’s just trying to get the crowd into the action because they love it when I do that. So I just try to let them laugh and feel happy.”
Bolt to train with Real
Usain Bolt has agreed to go training with Spanish football giants Real Madrid. He said he was particularly looking forward to meeting Real’s striker Ruud van Nistelrooy.
“Raul and Van Nistelrooy, I think they’re some of the best goalscorers ever,” Bolt said. “I’ve watched van Nistelrooy from when he was with United, so I know he’s a great guy so I look forward to meeting these guys.”
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