Oslo Jamaican sprint sensation Usain Bolt flirted with the idea of running sub-19 seconds in the 200 metres but reiterated that his immediate focus was on defending his sprint titles at the London Olympics.
The 25-year-old currently owns both sprint records after running 19.19 seconds in the 200 metres and 9.58 in the 100 metres at the Berlin World Championships three years ago.
“You can’t pinpoint the time but over the years, me and my coach [Glen Mills] have discussed 18 seconds, running under 19. It’s just a thought, we haven’t really said it’s possible that I could do it,” Bolt said on Thursday.
“If everything goes well, execution is right, you never know, it could be possible.
“The record in the 200 metres is easier to lower because there’s a lot more room for improvement. You can always execute the corner and the straight a little better so there’s always room to run fast.”
Bolt is yet to debut in the 200 metres this season but is already the world leader in the 100 metres, achieving a time of 9.72 in Rome.
He pointed out that while the half-lap remained his favourite event, the 100 metre title was still the most sought after in track and field.
“I love my 200 metres and that’s what I always dreamed to be, the 200 metre champion, because that’s what I started out in,” Bolt said.
“But the 100 metres is the glory event and I definitely want to double.”
While Bolt will enter the London Olympics as the heavy favourite, resurgent American Justin Gatlin announced himself as a serious contender after clocking 9.87 in Doha recently.
However, Bolt said he saw the entire field as a threat and not just one runner.
“Nobody wants to be second or third place. Everybody wants gold, so it’s what you do on the day that counts,” he said.
“There’s a lot or running left to go. I’m never worried about one direct person, it’s about seven persons in the lanes beside me.
“I focus on what I do, my technique. I’m just looking forward to my [Jamaica] trials first and then the Olympics.”
