KINGSTON – Usain Bolt is revving up for the World Championships in August, trying to find his top form for the Moscow meet.
The world’s fastest man clocked a 9.94 seconds in the 100 metres to win the final of the Jamaica national championships Friday night and sounded less than thrilled with his performance.
“It’s all about getting through and getting it done and that’s what I did,” Bolt told reporters after the race at the National Stadium, which was half empty.
Bolt said his start and “execution wasn’t the best” but he was “feeling all right, not too tired”.
He said he was fairly pleased with his acceleration – or his “turbo” as he calls it – but it’s not yet where he wants it to be.
“I’ve got a lot more work to do,” the 100 and 200 world record-holder said after the race. “As long as the coach is not worried, I’m not worried.”
Behind Bolt was Kemar Bailey-Cole at 9.98 and Nickel Ashmeade at 9.99.
Former world record holder Asafa Powell did not finish in the top three to qualify for the worlds, placing seventh in 10.22.
Bolt’s night was made easier by the absence of teammate Yohan Blake. The Olympic silver medallist withdrew from the meet because of a hamstring injury that his agent said hasn’t completely healed.
But since Blake won the 100 metres at the 2011 Worlds he has automatic qualification.
Kerron Stewart won the women’s 100 metres in 10.94 seconds, beating Sherone Simpson and Schillonie Calvert.
Two-time Olympic champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce qualified for the Worlds after dominating the Diamond League.
Decorated female sprinter Veronica Campbell-Brown is also missing the national championships due to a positive drug test being investigated by an anti-doping panel. (AP)
