KINGSTON, Jamaica, Sporting Alert – World record holder Usain Bolt was among the big names advancing to the semi-finals of the men’s 100 metres at the 2016 Jamaica Olympic Trials at the National Stadium in Kingston, on Day One on Thursday night.
Bolt started his quest to represent Jamaica at his fourth Olympic Games with a relatively easy 10.15-seconds jog to win his heat, but the six-time Olympic gold medallist was visibly unhappy about something before the race.
BOLT: IT ANNOYED ME….
He said during a trackside interview when asked about him looking annoyed: “The whole system bothers me.
“I was out there too long. They just sent everybody out [to the track]. There was a false-start and I was in the last heat and kinda got cold so I didn’t feel as fluent as I wanted to.
“That’s what I was really annoyed about.”
Bolt also revealed that he still needs to work on the first part of his race, especially the first 30m, which covers the base section of his drive phase.
“It’s always my first 30m,” he said. “That’s always my issue.
“So if I can get through with that then I should be fine.”
Despite those slight concerns, the 30-year-old said he feels confident about performing when it matters the most, adding that he definitely feels comfortable moving forward at these championships.
NICKEL READY TO SURPRISE BOLT?
Qualifying the fastest for the semi-finals was Nickel Ashmeade, who took heat 3 in 10.07 seconds and looked very comfortable doing so as well.
Half-lap specialist Warren Weir followed him home in second place in 10.17, with Chadic Hinds getting third with 10.25.
Training partners Kemar Bailey-Cole and Yohan Blake both clocked 10.26 to go 1-2 in heat 2, with Tyquendo Tracey getting third in 10.29.
Jevaughn Minzie posted a personal best of 10.15 to beat Senoj Jay Givans (10.16) and Asafa Powell (10.17) in heat 1.
Powell, who had a slip at the first time of asking before his heat was recalled, wasn’t too bothered by his third place finish in his race, especially seeing that he had everything under control before easing down in the closing metres.
“From start to finish I was jogging so it was easy for me,” a confident Powell said.
In the men’s 400m hurdles, Annsert Whyte (49.37), Isa Phillips and Jaheel Hyde (49.31 both), Romel Lewis 49.66 and Roxroy Cato (49.83) all qualified for the final.
In the women’s section, Ristananna Tracey (55.96) and Kaliese Spencer (56.13) were among the qualifiers for the title race.
For updates and any changes about the trials visit the JAAA official website.
