Usain Bolt after Olympics 100m win: I’m closer to being a legend

Four-time Olympic champion Usain Bolt says he is edging closer to legendary status after  defending his 100m title http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/olympics/18907995  in stunning fashion on Sunday.

The 25-year-old Jamaican won in an Olympic record time of 9.63 seconds and is already thinking about his next target at London 2012 – the 200m.

“This gold means I am one step closer to being a legend so I'm working toward that,” he said. “That's just one step.

“I have the 200m to go, so I'm looking forward to that.”

Bolt is a strong favourite for gold in the 200m, an event he also won at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.  His time of 19.19secs, http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/athletics/8213036.stm  set at the 2009 World Championships in Berlin, remains the world record.

When asked on BBC Radio 5 live whether he could break the 19-second barrier, Bolt smiled and said: “Well, it's been on my mind a couple of years now and this season, on this track, feeling more confident in myself – we'll see.

“I don't want to say I can do it and then not do it. But it's on my mind.”

The heats of the 200m begin in the Olympic Stadium on Tuesday, with the final on Thursday at 20:55 BST.

Bolt was  beaten by training partner Yohan Blake in the 200m http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/olympics/18663524  at the Jamaican trials in early July. Blake also beat him in the 100m but was forced to settle for silver at London 2012.

“There was a lot of people saying I wasn't going to win,” said Bolt. “There was a lot of talk. It was great feeling to come out here and show the world I'm still number one and still the best.”

Blake clocked a time of 9.75 to equal his personal best, while American Justin Gatlin took the bronze in 9.79.

“It wasn't a perfect start, so I had to execute from 50m and I knew I was going to do well after that,” said Bolt. “I just ran. I'm not going to say it was a perfect race because I know my coach is going to say no.”

His victory came a day after swimming great Michael Phelps  secured his 22nd Olympic medal http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/olympics/18912061  - the most by any Olympian.

Bolt was quick to praise the American's achievements and likened himself to his fellow Olympic champion.

“Phelps is a legend,” said Bolt. “He's really done great for himself and his country, and we've set the stage for a lot more athletes to really aim high and make our sports even better.”

Bolt said he planned to compete at the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro.

“I hope I'm in Rio,” he said. “I'm going to be 30, but I hope I'm in great shape. Blake will be 26 so it should be interesting.”

Source: BBC