OSTRAVA, Czech Republic - Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt said his world record-breaking 100 metres run in New York last month was close to perfection.
Jamaica's Usain Bolt smiles during a news conference before the "Golden Spike" World Athletics Tour meeting in Ostrava June 11, 2008. [Agencies] |
Bolt replaced compatriot Asafa Powell as holder of the men's blue riband sprint record when he clocked 9.72 seconds at the Reebok Grand Prix 12 days ago.
"I think it was close to a perfect race," Bolt told reporters on Wednesday, the eve of his first 200m race of the season at the Golden Spike Grand Prix in Ostrava.
"I think (coach Glen Mills) is trying really hard to find any mistakes."
Bolt's appearance in the 200m, his final outing before the Jamaican championships at the end of the month, will be the main draw at Thursday's meeting which also features Tirunesh Dibaba of Ethiopia in the 10,000m.
Despite his record, Bolt said the longer dash remained his favourite event.
"I've dedicated my career to the 200, I've put a lot of work into it."
Bolt was the first junior to run under 20 seconds in the 200, setting the world junior record of 19.93 when he was 17.
He has since improved his personal best to 19.75, and last year he finished second in the world championships behind American Tyson Gay. "I still want to be the best in the 200. I love it. It's very near and dear to my heart."
On the heels of his world record, he believes he can run fast in Ostrava, but would not say just how fast.
"I'm feeling pretty good right now, being the world record holder. But I'm not ready to predict any times for the 200.
