NEW YORK, United States (CMC):
The quickly improving Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt is anxiously looking forward to today's big showdown with American Tyson Gay.
But while he will be looking to win the 100-metre match up at the Reebok Grand Prix here, Bolt said he would be looking to enjoy the experience most of all.
"I'm feeling good about my time because I think I've worked hard this year because I was weak on my starting and I did a lot of work. I was working over three months to get better at my starts," said the 21-year-old. "I'm coming here right now just to compete. I'm just going into the race to enjoy myself. I really enjoy competing against Tyson because each year, we go out there and push each other."
Could Prove a handful
Bolt is likely to prove a handful for the American Gay, the reigning world champion in the 100 and 200 metres after his triumph in Osaka last year. The lanky Jamaican roared to an amazing 9.76 seconds, the second fastest time in history, while competing at the Jamaica International Invitational in Kingston earlier this month.
Two weeks later at the Hampton Games in Trinidad and Tobago, he raced to a superb 9.92 seconds to announce himself as a legitimate contender for the 100 metres title.
Bolt is already anticipating a three-way clash for the sprint title, especially when world record-holder Asafa Powell returns from injury.
"Definitely, Asafa when he gets fit he's going to come back running hard because he knows we are on top right now and he's going to be coming to get us," Bolt pointed out. "I know Tyson is looking forward to it too and I'm definitely looking forward to competing because I'm good friends with Asafa, so I'm looking forward to it definitely."
Avoiding 400m
Originally a 200 metres runner, Bolt admitted he started running the 100 metres to avoid the gruelling 400 metres.
"I just dont want to run the 400 metres. I have to do another race so I asked my coach to let me try the 100 metres and he said ok and I went out there and just ran," he said. "Last season, I ran 10.03 for the first time so I am doing good this year so far."
