‘Bolt has no need to worry about Gatlin’

Coach Glen Mills backs runner for a third 100m gold and a fourth 200m gold in Beijing.

KINGSTON: Usain Bolt is happy with his condition in the buildup to August’s world championships and will not be denied more sprint gold by American Justin Gatlin, according to his coach Glen Mills.

“We take all competitors with a level of seriousness and I don’t see Gatlin as a joke, but the truth of the matter is Usain at his best doesn’t have much to worry about,” said Mills.

Jamaican Bolt will bid for a third 100m gold and a fourth 200m gold in succession in Beijing.

In Bolt’s absence, Gatlin dominated the Diamond League last season, ending the year as world leader in the 100 and 200m with personal best times of 9.77 and 19.68 seconds respectively.

“It’s good for the sport and creates interest, but those kinds of things don’t affect us because Usain and myself know what he can do when he’s fully fit,” said Mills.

Having taken time off last year, the 28-year-old said that he was looking to set quick times this season.

“I always try to wait until I run my first race [to set targets], but for me the aim is always to go to the championship and to defend my titles,” said Bolt. “But I want to run really fast this season so I’m working on it.”

Bolt, who will compete on wildcard entries in Beijing, was also satisfied with his condition as he gears up for his April 19 race in Rio de Janeiro, the host city for next year’s summer Olympics where he will be expected to defend his titles. 

Published in The Express Tribune, April 8^th,  2015.

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