MADRID — Fresh from setting a pair of world records at the World Championships, sprint sensation Usain Bolt says he is ready to go even faster.
The Jamaican, who on Saturday took part in a ceremonial kickoff celebrating the start of the Spanish league at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium, believes he can improve on his world records of 9.58 seconds in the 100 meters and 19.19 over the 200.
"I think I can go faster, but I leave that up to my coach," Bolt said Sunday. "We analyze each race. We try to go through the season without risking getting injured. We see what we can do to go further and achieve great things in sport."
Bolt was present for Real Madrid’s opening match of the season at the weekend. He said he has become a fan of the team since striker Ruud van Nistelrooy moved there three years ago.
"Manchester United was my favorite team when I started to watch football because he was there," said Bolt, calling the Dutchman his favorite player. "I became a Real Madrid fan because I follow Ruud van Nistelrooy wherever he goes."
Bolt said he felt nervous in front of 80,000 fans just before the season’s opening match against Deportivo La Coruna, which Madrid won 3-2. He said the experience was "priceless."
While at the Bernabeu, the sprinter met Madrid great Alfredo di Stefano, whom he shook hands with and greeted in Spanish as "Mister Campeon" — Mr. Champion.
"I remember I saw Cristiano Ronaldo’s presentation and thought it was amazing. It was the same for me yesterday," Bolt said. "It was overwhelming, but I enjoyed it very much. It was beautiful."
Bolt said he gave Ronaldo some advice on how to run faster when he first met him two years ago.
"Normally, when he gets up speed he leans his body forward," Bolt said of the former Manchester United winger. "I told him what to do to run longer and go faster."
However, the sprinter said he felt he could still outrun Ronaldo over 100 meters — even while running with a ball at his feet.
"Definitely, I think I can do that," Bolt said. "I don’t think Cristiano can beat me. I’m the fastest man in the world, so I can do that."
Bolt, who is expected to travel to London on Monday, was set to watch a bullfight in the Madrid suburb of San Sebastian de los Reyes.
