World record in trouble - Bolt, Powell, Blake ready to blaze in 100m showdown

André Lowe, Senior Staff Reporter

LONDON, England:

As Jamaica faces the threat of Tropical Storm Ernesto, the world's fastest man Usain Bolt will today face a threat of his own, as in the pursuit of vindication and desire, his rivals - some of the fastest men ever - lie in wait, champing at the bit in a 100m double delight at the Olympic Games in London.

Less than 20 seconds and a bunch of highly motivated and rather quick individuals stand between Bolt and his obsession with securing legendary status in the sport.

But before the Beijing star can even think about defending his 100m gold medal, he will need to secure his spot in the final, by safely navigating a very straightforward semi-final draw.

Bolt bounced to a comfortable 10.09 to win his heat yesterday, with hardly any effort, but may need to go a little faster this evening when he faces the fastest qualifier, young American Ryan Bailey, who posted a lifetime best-equalling 9.88 in his heat.

Entering the Games with major question signs over his fitness and ability to repeat his three gold medals and three world-record performances from the Beijing Games in 2008, Bolt was happy to finally return to the track, in what was his first race since twice losing to training partner Yohan Blake in Kingston.

"It definitely feels good to stretch my legs and I am looking forward to the semi-finals tomorrow (today)," Bolt said.

"The start was much better this time; I can't complain. I have done some work on that, but we have come to the conclusion that we won't worry too much and just focus on the rest of the race like we always do. I will focus on the last 50m of the race, which is my strong point."

As always, his start was not the best, but his handlers must at least be pleased that he has regained power from his first three steps, meaning that at the appointed time, there will not be any great separation between himself and the best of starters.

One of those great starters is United States champion Justin Gatlin, who is perhaps the most motivated man in today's semi-finals.

Gatlin's crusade

Desperate to remove the stain of his four-year drug ban, Gatlin has been on a crusade of sorts in recent months, championing the notion that only he seems to believe, that he is ready to beat the big Jamaican.

Gatlin was also impressive in qualifying as he eagerly covered the distance in 9.94, which is the second-fastest time heading into today's semis, where he will face former 100m world record holder, Asafa Powell.

Powell seems far more relaxed these days and despite concerns over his injured groin, the former world record holder is approaching the showdown with a renewed sense of confidence. Could he be a dark horse here?

On virtually one leg, Powell led the two fastest men this year for over 70m at the Jamaican Olympic trials before he had to shut it down after his groin gave way; perspective amid the Bolt-Blake-Gay fan-fest.

"I'm just more confident. I have really learned how to control my anxiety and control everything around me and just focus on myself," said Powell after his 10.04 win in the heats.

World champion Blake lays in wait for former world champion Tyson Gay, as the Jamaican, who is the fastest man on the planet this year - a picture of focus here in London - looks to pick up from where he left off in Kingston.

Blake was also very comfortable in qualifying, stepping away from the pack before shutting down and allowing his momentum to take him across the line in 10.00, while Gay clocked 10.04 to win his heat.

The world record is 9.58, and with all the athletes describing the track as one of the fastest they have seen, it may be threatened here in jolly old London town. In fact, it may take something better than that time to win this one.