BEIJING, Aug 11, 2008 - Michael Johnson, the only man to win the 200 and 400 meters in the same Olympics, favors 100m world record-holder Usain Bolt of Jamaica to win the 100 and 200 double at the Beijing Olympics.
Johnson, who turns 41 next month, won the 200 and 400 at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics and defended his 400 crown at the 2000 Sydney Games. He works with Jeremy Wariner, the defending Olympic and two-time world 400 champion.
The US legend likes Bolt because his chief rivals, Jamaican Asafa Powell and US star Tyson Gay, have troubles. Powell has never managed to race his best in big races while Gay has not competed since pulling a hamstring six weeks ago.
The 100m has the potential to be one of the greatest in the history of the race and one of the greatest events of the Games and the sport needs it,'' Johnson said Monday. Bolt set the 100 world record of 9.72 seconds on May 31 to beat Gay at New York and break Asafa Powell's old mark of 9.74. I would have to say Bolt is the favorite,’’ Johnson said.
I just think Powell has proven it's very difficult for him to get it done on the day it matters. He's going to have a tremendous amount of pressure he puts on himself because it's going to be devastating to him if he can't get it done again.'' Johnson worries about race fitness with Gay, who ran a wind-aided 9.68 last month to win the US Olympic trials, the fastest 100 ever clocked under any conditions. The 100 is one of those races where being race sharp is important and he hasn’t raced since June and I have to think that’s going to affect him,’’ said Johnson.
I’m confused. Anyone have any info on Bolt’s training times? Or Powells situation with his coach. What does 10 flat mean in practice a few days before a big meet. The variables are too numerous for a prediction. I mean what does Asafa’s 9.82 really mean. Asafa looks like the man to beat, just based on recent numbers. Gay’s 9.68 was wind aided. Plus Gay is hurt. Or was hurt. Or is he ready to run 9.7-9.8. Was this a safe move to do a 100m all-out like this? What about Bolt. Man I’m losing my mind.
Just hop on and watch the show. 