ROME – Following a near nine-month layoff, Jamaican sprint star Usain Bolt last Tuesday remained cagey about his season debut at the Rome Diamond League here.
The reigning Olympic and World champion has not run since last August when he suffered a shock defeat to American Tyson Gay in Stockholm and said it was hard to predict the outcome of today’s 100 metres race.
“I’m not really expecting anything. I’m just going out there to see where I’m at and see what I need to do for the World Championships,” the World record holder in the 100 and 200 metres told a media conference.
“I couldn’t say [what time I will run]. I normally would have but I am blank. I don’t know what time I can run. I am just hoping for the best. I have been doing good in training so I am hoping for a good time.”
Bolt faces a stiff challenge as he lines up against fellow Jamaican Asafa Powell, Trinidadian Olympic silver medallist Richard Thompson and European 100 and 200 metre gold medallist Christophe Lemaitre of France.
He said, however, the contest would be a good workout for him as he prepared for the World Championships in South Korea starting in August.
“These meets are stepping stones for the World Championships. Normally I would have done a couple of races already so I could say how fast I could go so I’m just hoping for the best,” said the 24-year-old.
“For me I’m just coming out here to see where I’m at. I feel in good shape. I’m not really expecting anything. I’m just going out there to run my best.”
He added: “I wouldn’t say I’m in perfect shape, but I’m in good shape. I’m looking forward to racing and competing at my best.
“My last race was in Stockholm when I lost to Tyson. I’ve just been training, trying to get back in shape, stay focused, try to get ready for the World Championships. I’ll take my time, try to get everything precise and get back on target.”
Bolt, known as much for his feistiness and bravado as for his scintillating times, admitted to being a bit nervous ahead of today’s race.
“For me it’s never pressure. I would say for the first time I’m slightly nervous because I haven’t run for so long but I’ve been doing good in training,” Bolt said.
“I am always calm and relaxed. I am little bit nervous but otherwise I know I am getting into shape, really focused on going out there and doing my best.
“Things are coming back slowly but surely. I’m just looking forward to going out there and competing – just to feel better to get through a race without any injuries. I should be okay.
“Me and my coach (Glen Mills) have done a lot of work. So I am not worried, just slightly nervous because it is my first race in a while.” (CMC)