MOSCOW: Usain Bolt is determined not to let the absence of some of his main rivals make him drop his guard as he tries to win back the 100 metres world title he lost two years ago.
Bolt, who retained his Olympic title last year, said after arriving in Moscow for the world championships that he was not worried he would repeat the nightmare of Daegu in 2011, when he was disqualified for a false start.
“I went to the Olympics, and now I’m back - back to regain my title. I’m even more focused that last time. So I’m going to get it done,” the Jamaican said, six days before the championships start.
American Tyson Gay and Jamaican former world record holder Asafa Powell will not compete in Moscow after failing doping tests. Jamaican Yohan Blake will not defend his title because of a hamstring injury.
Bolt, who has won six Olympic gold medals and is the 100 metres world record holder, denied their absence would affect his own motivation, pointing out that he had won titles before when big rivals were not competing.
“So for me I’m really motivated to go and show the world that even without nobody there, I can still win. So I’m focused, and I’m ready to go,” he said.
Bolt, whose main rival for the 100 gold is likely to be American Justin Gatlin, made it clear that winning was his priority, not setting a new world record in next Sunday’s final.
“I never predict times, because you never know, it might be like this, you know, overcast, and slightly chilly, or it might just be warm. You never know what can happen so that’s my focus, and that’s what I’m going out there to do, and (to) prove to the world that I’m still a champion,” he said.
Bolt, 26, looked relaxed as he performed a set with DJs at a Jamaican-themed party in the Puma Yard in Gorky Park in central Moscow.REUTERS
