Sprinters who have taken on Usain Bolt in the 100-meter dash often describe a moment in the second half of the race when the world’s fastest-ever human just runs away from them.
One minute they are shoulder-to-shoulder with Bolt, believing that this will be the nightthe legend will be toppled. The next they are staring at his back, watching him raise his hands in triumph, sometimes many meters before he crosses the finish line.
Last week Bolt expressed his usual, unflappable confidence, even though a hamstring injury kept him from Jamaica’s track and field trials. Granted a medical exemption by the country’s athletics federation, he was named to the team even though he couldn’t qualify at the national trials.
“My chances are always the same: Great!” he said. “If everything goes smoothly the rest of the time and the training goes well, I’m going to be really confident going to the championship.”
More here – Wall Street Journal
100M runners talk themselves up and so they should, however……A hamstring can be a serious issue for a sprinter. Once you damage the tissue and if scaring occurs the potential muscle shortening (even if small) may impact him in a world class 100M sprint event. He turns 30 just after Rio. Age eventually catches up with all athletes. Linford Christie (9.96sec) at age 32 years 121 days in 1992 is the oldest 100M winner by a huge 4 years 38 days. Other than Christie, the oldest winner was 28 years 83 days. Will be very interesting to see the outcome.