UPDATE 1-Athletics-Bolt clocks 9.92 for second sub-10 100 metres

Sat May 17, 2008 11:07pm EDT
 
[-] Text [+]

(Updates throughout, adds byline, quotes)

By Lasana Liburd

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, May 17 (Reuters) - Jamaican world 200 metres silver medallist Usain Bolt overcame a slow start to run 9.92 seconds, the second-fastest 100 metres of the year, at the Hampton Games on Saturday.

Only Bolt's run of 9.76 seconds, the second-best behind compatriot Asafa Powell's 2007 world record of 9.74, on May 3 is faster so far this year.

"I did not feel comfortable ...after I got a bad start," Bolt told reporters. "I was slow out of the blocks. But I was okay overall."

He said a false start by another competitor had hindered any chance of matching his May 3 time.

American Mike Rodgers took second in 10.07 with compatriot John Capel third in 10.12.

The race was Bolt's first since his run at Kingston and just his fourth over the 100 metres as a professional.

It continued to fuel speculation about his Olympic plans although he has expressed an unwillingness to run both the 100 and 200 in Beijing.

"I have just one more 100 in New York (planned) and then I am going to the 200," said Bolt. "I am not sure after that. It depends on my coach."

The New York meeting on May 31 will match the 21-year-old against American world champion Tyson Gay.

"I am not really worried about the (world) record." Bolt said. "I am just trying to stay in shape (for Beijing)."

(Editing by Gene Cherry and Greg Stutchbury)

 

Editor's Choice

A selection of our best photos from the past 24 hours.  Slideshow 

Most Popular on Reuters

  • Articles
  • Video
Join the Reuters Consumer Insight Panel and help us get to know you better

Join the Reuters Consumer Insight Panel and help us get to know you better