Jamaica's world 100-meter record holder Usain Bolt sounded another warning to his Olympic rivals with an impressive winning time of 19.76 seconds in the 200 meters at the London Grand Prix on Saturday.
Bolt, who set the year's best time of 19.67 two weeks ago, broke the UK All Comers record of 19.84 held by American world champion Tyson Gay, who would be one of Bolt's main rivals if the Jamaican decides to run in the 100 at the Beijing Games.
American Wallace Spearmon was second in 20.27 seconds with Paul Hession of Ireland third in 20.37.
"It was pretty good. I came out here with a plan and I did execute it well," the 21-year-old Bolt, world championship silver medalist last year, said.
Bolt, who could compete for a 100-200 sprint double at next month's Games, said: "I'm still not sure about doubling in Beijing. My coach (Glen Mills) will make the decision.
"I'd definitely like to double, I think I could do well in both. But my coach hasn't made a bad decision in five years so if he says I can only do one, I'll do one."
Mills is worried that going for a Beijing double could hurt Bolt's chances of winning his preferred 200 race.
"You have to ensure that you are not going into it just because there is a chance of glory, you have to go there knowing that your chance is solid," Mills said after Bolt's victory. "I think he will get a medal in both, it's a question of winning."
Mills deems the 200 a much easier event for Bolt, as compatriot Asafa Powell and Gay have more experience in big events in the 100.
Easier race
"The 200 is the easier race based on his performances so far - it's not as competitive as the 100," Mills said. "There's always the temptation to take what you are sure of. If you run the 100 you have to be consistent with your technique."
In a close women's 100 final, Olympic 200 champion Veronica Campbell won in 10.87 seconds from fellow Jamaican Shelly Ann Fraser, who clocked 10.95.
Americans Marshevet Hooker and the 31-year-old Torri Edwards, 2003 world champion and holder of this year's world leading 10.78, were third and fourth, respectively.
Campbell, whose time was just 0.02 seconds slower than her personal best, said: "I'm in a great position to defend my 200 meters title in Beijing."
In a high-standard men's pole vault competition, winner Yevgeniy Lukyanenko of Russia, the world indoor champion, and Australia's Commonwealth champion Steve Hooker attempted to clear 6.02 meters but fell short.
Both cleared 5.97 while American Brad Walker, who holds the year's best of 6.04, had to settle for equal third with Germany's Alexander Starub after clearing 5.72.
Martyn Rooney raised British hopes ahead of the Olympic men's 400 with a personal best of 44.83, beating Canada's world indoor champion Tyler Christopher (45.29) into second place.
World champion Kerron Clement of the US effortlessly won the 400 hurdles in 48.36.
World indoor champion Lolo Jones of the US came from behind to win the women's 100 hurdles in 12.58, and Melanie Walker of Jamaica won the 400 hurdles in 54.22.
Jones, who said Saturday's race was her last before the Olympics, edged Sally McLellan of Australia, who crossed the line in 12.61.
(Agencies via
Shanghai Daily July 28, 2008)