BEIJING, China – Usain Bolt says he’s “feeling good” and is “ready” to defend his sprint double title at this month’s IAAF World Championships in Athletics in Beijing, China.
Bolt, who spent most of the season working on his fitness, after suffering a pelvic injury in the middle of the season, is confident that he has done the necessary work to fend off his challengers inside the Bird’s Nest.
The 28-year-old heads into the start of this weekend’s World Championships with a solid 9.87 seconds seasonal best over the 100m, but only has a 20.13 secs year best for the 200m and hasn’t raced over that distant since June 13.
However, despite admitting that he wished he could have raced more before the championships, Bolt said he’s not worried because his coach Glen Mills is happy.
“I’m feeling good; I wish I could have had more races but training is good,” he said during the Puma and Jamaican Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) press conference at the NUO Beijing Hotel on Thursday.
“Coach is happy and that is good for me to know that. In London I had two good races and although I haven’t competed much since then, it was important for me to do the training rather than the competition.”
He added: “I’ve not done a 200m for a while (13 June) although I’ve done a few time trials in training, but the 100m has given me confidence. Things normally come together for me at championships, I’m not worried.”
The Jamaican sprint sensation was the highlighted athlete during his last visit to Beijing, in 2008 when he broke three world records on his way to collecting three gold medals during the summer Olympic Games.
Bolt dominated both the 100m and 200m fields to win the double comfortably at those Games, but he’s expected to be well tested by the likes of Gatlin, Tyson Gay and Asafa Powell on his return.
Nevertheless, anyone who has followed Bolt since his breakthrough season at the senior level seven-years-ago, knows that the sprint icon and six-time Olympic gold medallist is always well prepared for the major championships.
“I’ve been in the sport a long time and seen a lot,” he revealed. “I would say I’ve changed, I’m different, but a much improved Usain.
“In training I’ve definitely had to sacrifice a lot more.
“I can’t just train for three months; I have to do it properly now and put a lot more into training.”
