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To run or not to run the 100m
published: Thursday | June 5, 2008
Usain Bolt, 100m world record holder, shares a light moment with coach Glen Mills at a press briefing at The Courtleigh hotel to honour Bolt's 9.72 record run in New York, on Saturday. - photo by LeVaughn Flynn
CAN THE world's fastest man skip running the 100 metres at the Olympics - the pinnacle of track adn field?
On Saturday night in New York, Usain Bolt flashed to a world record of 9.72 seconds at the Reebok Grand Prix but, according to his coach, Glen Mills, it is not certain he will run the event at the Beijing Games.
Bolt's feat erased Asafa Powell's previous mark of 9.74 seconds.
However, Mills said he is unsure if Bolt, previously recognised as a 200m runner, will do the double in Beijing.
"He will run both at the trials - as to what he will do in August is another matter," Mills told journalists upon his arrival from New York on Sunday.
Asked how the world-record holder could skip the event at the Olympics, Mills replied: "I don't know - I don't know".
He, however, said he would make a decision after the national trials.
Before I ask my question, let me congratulate Bolt on an incredible achievement, so, too, his handler Mills, who has been his coach since 2004.
The work of both men has been tremendous in as little as four years.
Making the right choice
But, after saying that, my question is: What if Mills chooses the 200m and Bolt fails to win the gold, would they be disappointed - and how bad would it be?
Only time will tell.
Mills continued: "He still prefers to run the 200m; he still wants to run the 200m," while explaining that Bolt would have to run eight races, plus the relay, if he chooses to run the 100 and 200.
I wonder if Mills has decided on Bolt's Olympic plans but is just keeping it close to his chest because, according to the athlete, he will definitely double.
Mills, in previous interviews, said he likes to go with the wishes of his athletes and that was the reason Bolt moved down to the 100m instead of going 'up' to the 400m.
Shortly after Saturday's race, Bolt said he would run both sprints in Beijing but when asked about the comment, Mills replied: "I guess the excitement of the moment probably made him say that. All our conversations prior to that, he never indicated a willingness to double".
But again, on arrival at the airport, Bolt went even further.
"I will definitely be going for the double," he said. "I broke the record, so I guess that's made the decision easier. I am now the fastest man in the world, so I have to run it. You just tell yourself that you have to do it."
Well said, Bolt, because, the same way you look at it, is the same way I view it. You cannot be the world-record holder and not run the event at the Olympics.
Feedback: anthonyfos@gmail.com
published: Thursday | June 5, 2008
Usain Bolt, 100m world record holder, shares a light moment with coach Glen Mills at a press briefing at The Courtleigh hotel to honour Bolt's 9.72 record run in New York, on Saturday. - photo by LeVaughn Flynn
CAN THE world's fastest man skip running the 100 metres at the Olympics - the pinnacle of track adn field?
On Saturday night in New York, Usain Bolt flashed to a world record of 9.72 seconds at the Reebok Grand Prix but, according to his coach, Glen Mills, it is not certain he will run the event at the Beijing Games.
Bolt's feat erased Asafa Powell's previous mark of 9.74 seconds.
However, Mills said he is unsure if Bolt, previously recognised as a 200m runner, will do the double in Beijing.
"He will run both at the trials - as to what he will do in August is another matter," Mills told journalists upon his arrival from New York on Sunday.
Asked how the world-record holder could skip the event at the Olympics, Mills replied: "I don't know - I don't know".
He, however, said he would make a decision after the national trials.
Before I ask my question, let me congratulate Bolt on an incredible achievement, so, too, his handler Mills, who has been his coach since 2004.
The work of both men has been tremendous in as little as four years.
Making the right choice
But, after saying that, my question is: What if Mills chooses the 200m and Bolt fails to win the gold, would they be disappointed - and how bad would it be?
Only time will tell.
Mills continued: "He still prefers to run the 200m; he still wants to run the 200m," while explaining that Bolt would have to run eight races, plus the relay, if he chooses to run the 100 and 200.
I wonder if Mills has decided on Bolt's Olympic plans but is just keeping it close to his chest because, according to the athlete, he will definitely double.
Mills, in previous interviews, said he likes to go with the wishes of his athletes and that was the reason Bolt moved down to the 100m instead of going 'up' to the 400m.
Shortly after Saturday's race, Bolt said he would run both sprints in Beijing but when asked about the comment, Mills replied: "I guess the excitement of the moment probably made him say that. All our conversations prior to that, he never indicated a willingness to double".
But again, on arrival at the airport, Bolt went even further.
"I will definitely be going for the double," he said. "I broke the record, so I guess that's made the decision easier. I am now the fastest man in the world, so I have to run it. You just tell yourself that you have to do it."
Well said, Bolt, because, the same way you look at it, is the same way I view it. You cannot be the world-record holder and not run the event at the Olympics.
Feedback: anthonyfos@gmail.com