Back pain stopped world record, says Usain Bolt

Damion Mitchell, Editor – Radio & Online
The Gleaner/Power 106 News Centre

Jamaica’s Usain Bolt has said he was expecting a world record in the 200m final, but he said he had to temper his effort because he felt a pain in his back when he came around the curve.

“I was fast, but I was not fit enough,” Bolt said in a BBC interview shortly after the race.

“I knew it was going to be a world record because when I came off the corner I could feel it,” Bolt said.

But he says he felt a strain on his back and so he had to change his form.
“I really wanted to try to get the world record, but it was hard,” he said.

Bolt blazed to 19.32 seconds to lead a clean sweep for Jamaica in the men’s 200m final.

Fellow Jamaicans Yohan Blake (19.44) was second and Warren Weir third in 19.84.
Weir, a first-time Olympian was overjoyed.

“It’s an honour to come here and do what my country wants me to do,” Weir said.

damion.mitchell@gleanerjm.com