Usain Bolt opens 2010 with 45.86 victory in Kingston (© Anthony Foster)
Track & field sensation Usain Bolt opened his 2010 season on a winning note when he captured the men's 400m at the Camperdown Classic here on Saturday (13) at the National Stadium.
Bolt, running out of lane four in the timed final event, stopped the clock at 45.86 seconds, a meet record and beating his mark set at the same event last year of 46.35.
Bolt, winner of the sprint double at both the Beijing Olympics and Berlin World Championships last year, went out fast and took control of the race from as early as the backstretch. He entered the home straight with a five-metre lead and was relaxed across the line.
The World record holder with times of 9.58 and 19.19 in the 100m and 200m, described his race. "My coach spoke to me about running the first 200 meters too hard, so I tried to pace myself and bring it home nice and smooth."
“I never feel as good as I wanted,” said Bolt. ““It was a good race. To run 45 seconds was a good sign.”
The 23-year-old also said, “I guess I am getting there, I would say.”
“I think I am the same place I was last year. Its just back to training now. I just want to get my fitness up. I don’t think I am where I would want to be.”
This was the fifth fastest 400m performance in Bolt’s career. His personal best of 45.28 was set in 2007.
Jamaica's 400m champion Ricardo Chamber won his heat in 45.98 for second overall behind Bolt while Jermaine Gonzales was second in 46.71.
Meanwhile, at the Milo Western Relays, former World 100m record holder Asafa Powell helped his team to win the men's 4x400m relay. His MVP team won the event in 3:07.1
Another Jamaican Olympian, Anastacia Le-Roy helped G. C. Foster College to a comfortable win in the women's 4x100m relay. They won in 45.93.
Anthony Foster for the IAAF
Bolt, running out of lane four in the timed final event, stopped the clock at 45.86 seconds, a meet record and beating his mark set at the same event last year of 46.35.
Bolt, winner of the sprint double at both the Beijing Olympics and Berlin World Championships last year, went out fast and took control of the race from as early as the backstretch. He entered the home straight with a five-metre lead and was relaxed across the line.
The World record holder with times of 9.58 and 19.19 in the 100m and 200m, described his race. "My coach spoke to me about running the first 200 meters too hard, so I tried to pace myself and bring it home nice and smooth."
“I never feel as good as I wanted,” said Bolt. ““It was a good race. To run 45 seconds was a good sign.”
The 23-year-old also said, “I guess I am getting there, I would say.”
“I think I am the same place I was last year. Its just back to training now. I just want to get my fitness up. I don’t think I am where I would want to be.”
This was the fifth fastest 400m performance in Bolt’s career. His personal best of 45.28 was set in 2007.
Jamaica's 400m champion Ricardo Chamber won his heat in 45.98 for second overall behind Bolt while Jermaine Gonzales was second in 46.71.
Meanwhile, at the Milo Western Relays, former World 100m record holder Asafa Powell helped his team to win the men's 4x400m relay. His MVP team won the event in 3:07.1
Another Jamaican Olympian, Anastacia Le-Roy helped G. C. Foster College to a comfortable win in the women's 4x100m relay. They won in 45.93.
Anthony Foster for the IAAF