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News from Jamaica as of
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Johnson picks Bolt in his all-time 200m race
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| Published on Monday, May 4, 2009 | Email To Friend Print Version
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By Gary Smith
Caribbean Net News Sports Correspondent
gary@caribbeannetnews.com
TEXAS, USA -- American sprint legend Michael Johnson has picked Jamaica’s sprint sensation Usain Bolt, the man who replaced him as the fastest half-lap runner ever, to be in his all-time 200m race.
Bolt joins Johnson’s star-studded list.
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Michael Johnson.
AFP PHOTO |
Speaking on BBC Sports, Johnson, who watched Bolt lower his previous world record of 19.32 seconds to 19.30secs at the Beijing Olympic Games last summer, selected the Jamaican on a shortlist of world-class athletes that also included himself.
"I would put myself in it, Usain Bolt, Tommie Smith - 1968 Olympic gold medallist - John Carlos, the silver medallist in that race, Carl Lewis, Calvin Smith - 1983 world champion - and Frankie Fredericks," Johnson said.
The former Olympic 200 and 400m champion also picked the lane he preferred in the star-studded line up, but shied away from predicting the placings.
"I'm only concerned with the one - and that would be me."
Johnson said he would prefer to have "lane five," adding that "it wouldn't matter" who was on the outside of him.
Not the greatest I’ve seen yet
Following his phenomenal Olympic performances, which saw him shattering two individual world records, Bolt has been described as one of, if not the greatest sprinter of all-time.
However, despite his cruising 9.69secs 100m world record and his superb 19.30secs 200m world best, Johnson, although acknowledging his sensational outing, still believes the Jamaican has much to prove in order to get there.
"I can't say he's (Bolt) the greatest sprinter I've ever seen, but I can say his 100m in Beijing was the greatest performance I've ever seen, no doubt about it," Johnson admitted.
"For him to be the greatest, he'll have to win gold at another Olympics or a World Championship, show some consistency and longevity. But there's no reason for me to think he can't do it."
Bolt can go sub-19seconds
Bolt’s breathtaking 200m performance in Beijing, have many thinking how fast can he go over the distance. Johnson says sub-19 seconds, but hinted that he himself could have gone under 18-seconds during his track career.
"It's (sub-19) definitely possible. I could have run under 18 seconds. Could Usain? You'd think he probably could."
Bolt was by far the best sprinter in both the 100m and 200m last season and he and his coach Glen Mills are targeting yet another outstanding 2009 season. | | | | Reads : 1103 | | | |
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