Bolt electrifies the crowd in Ostrava

It was quite the show orchestrated by one of the world's top young athletes. About the only thing that may have been more impressive and entertaining than Jamaican Usain Bolt's 9.77 seconds in the 100-meters June 17 in Ostrava was the ensuing victory celebration.

The triple Beijing Olympic gold medalist did not disappoint the 22,000 fans at the 48th Golden Spike meet. After clocking the fastest time in the world this year, Bolt celebrated with a victory lap draped in a Jamaican flag, spent time high-fiving fans and signing autographs, danced near the finish line and once again saluted the crowd during a ride around the track in a BMW convertible along with Czech pop singer Ewa Farna.

"I really enjoy track and field and performing for the people," said the 22-year-old Bolt after the competition. "They gave me their love, so I wanted to show some love also."

Bolt, who competed in the 200-meters here last year prior to his historic Olympic performance, initially expressed concern about weather conditions in Ostrava. However, at a press conference in the days leading up to the race, the triple world-record holder talked about possibly running around 9.8 seconds. Despite a slow start out of the blocks, he delivered.

"I really wanted to run a fast time. The weather was good, and the track was wonderful," said Bolt. "This is the first time that I've been here where it has been sunny the whole time, so I really enjoyed it in the stadium this year."

The 6-foot-5-inch phenom accelerated powerfully over the final 50 meters of the race, leaving his opponents well behind. Britain's Craig Pickering finished second in 10.08, more than three-tenths of a second slower. Had it not been for Bolt's lackluster start, the time may have challenged his current world record of 9.69, set last year in China.

"The start was hard," he said. "The gun went quicker than I expected and caught me off guard at the starting line. But that's a part of life. Sometimes you get it, and sometimes you don't. It was a good race overall. I think I did pretty well."

Season is early yet

Even more astounding, the Jamaican sprinter claims that he was in nowhere near his best form yet this season.

"I'm not in the same shape as last year at the same time," said Bolt prior to the race. "But I've had a lot less time on my hands as Olympic champion. My main goal is the [IAAF World Championships in Berlin in August], so that's what I'm working toward. It will take a little more time, but I have more running to do."

After Bolt's world-record performance last year at the Beijing Olympics, his coach Glen Mills speculated that he could have run as low as 9.52 seconds had he not slowed down to celebrate. Astrophysicists from the University of Oslo conducted a study and concluded that he would have finished in 9.55 seconds.

What does Bolt himself think is possible?

"There are always limits in everything you do. I really don't know what it is for me, but I'm sure it's somewhere around 9.5, maybe. I will just try to keep working hard, and hopefully it will bring out the best."

Athlete of the year

While the gregarious young superstar works on perfecting his craft amid debates as to just how low he can go, honors and accolades continue to befall him. Two weeks ago, Bolt was awarded the prestigious Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award, ending Roger Federer's four-year run. Other past recipients include Lance Armstrong, Tiger Woods and Michael Schumacher.

"It's a great honor to be named in the category of these athletes," said Bolt. "It shows that hard work pays off. I'm sure in the future I will get to meet some of them."

Bolt, who also enjoys kicking a soccerball around and DJing in his free time, will next compete in his homeland at the Jamaican trials later this month.

Regarding being in the elite company of the world's best athletes and the potential to be considered among the greatest ever, the Jamaican displays a warm smile and responds confidently, "I'm one of them, and [I'm] working on 'Project Bolt,' on being the greatest athlete and legend ever. I think maybe the world record in the 400 would help, but I'm not sure about that. I think [it will take] just being on top every year and doing great things."

Brian Pinelli can be reached at
features@praguepost.com