Bolt: To double or not to double?

[August 05, 2008]  BEIJING (AP) -- Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt said he's been training all year to double at the Beijing Olympics.

Though his training routine is clearcut, whether he'll run both the 100- and 200-meter events is not.

At a news conference Tuesday, Bolt said he's "80 percent sure I'll be doubling."

That might be news to his agent, who sent a text message to The Associated Press last Saturday confirming Bolt would run both events.

Bolt broke the world record in the 100 by finishing in 9.72 seconds May 31. He said once again that he would let his coach, Glen Mills, decide whether it made sense to compete in that event in addition to the 200, considered Bolt's specialty.

In the 100, Bolt will face fellow Jamaican Asafa Powell, the previous world-record holder at 9.74 seconds, and Tyson Gay, the reigning world champion who set the American record of 9.77 at the U.S. Olympic trials in June.

"Asafa Powell is the second fastest man in the world," Bolt said. "And Tyson Gay is the world champion and he's running really fast."

At least he was before injuring his right hamstring last month at the U.S. Olympic trials.

Bolt said he spoke with Gay recently and wished him a speedy recovery.

"I wish him the best so he can get back in shape," Bolt said. "I want to beat him when he's 100 percent."

[Associated Press]

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