Audio By Carbonatix
Usain Bolt opened his season with a 150-metre win on a track set up at Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday.
Bolt cruised to victory in 14.42 seconds, falling short of the world-best mark of 14.35 he set on the streets of Manchester in 2009. Antigua and Barbuda's Daniel Bailey was second, ahead of Bruno Lins of Brazil and Alex Quinones of Ecuador.
Bolt said he was satisfied with his performance after the race, which was held under scorching heat on a four-lane track built on Copacabana beach in the host city of the 2016 Olympics.
"It was my first sprint race, definitely a good start for the season," Bolt said. "I'm looking forward to coming down here in 2016."
Bolt celebrated by dancing with a few Brazilian dancers after the run, which was an official event supervised by the IAAF.
He threw his running shoes to the fans, who endured huge lines to try to get near the track to see the Jamaican star up close.
Bolt, the first man to successfully defend the 100 and 200 titles at the Olympics, was in Rio for four days, visiting social projects and participating in promotional events.
Bolt said he is still "not sure" if he will compete at the London Diamond League meet in July, but agent Ricky Simms reiterated on Sunday that he is working to ensure the Jamaican returns to England.
"We've had positive negotiations, it will be great for him to go back there a year after everything that happened last year," Simms said. "It's going to be a good event. We've just got a few things to finalize. In the next months, hopefully, we'll find solutions."
The London meet, celebrating a year since the Olympics, would be one of his last competitions before the world championships in Moscow in August.
Also Sunday, double-amputee Alan Oliveira of Brazil beat American runner Jerome Singleton at the Copacabana track. Oliveira originally was to race against Oscar Pistorius, who withdrew after being charged with the shooting death of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp. Oliveira beat the South African in the 200 at the London Paralympics.
"I hope everything is solved, that the truth is told and that all parties solve this. Let's see, let's see how things will unfold," Oliveira said. "He's a great athlete inside the track, did what he did for Paralympic sport and I hope he continues to do so."
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tags:
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Latest Stories
-
GPL 2025/26: Hohoe United’s relegation fears deepen after draw with Vision FC
1 minute -
First Sky Energies to add 50mw to the national grid from Yendi plant
4 minutes -
Berekum Chelsea beat Bibiani GoldStars to boost relegation fight
15 minutes -
GPL 2025/26: Albert Amoah scores on Kotoko return as they beat Holy StarsÂ
27 minutes -
First Sky Group commits over GH¢51m to dialysis care at Korle Bu – CEO
39 minutes -
Local businesses want policy reforms against proliferation of foreign retail malls
2 hours -
FirstBank Ghana shifts focus to branchless, digital banking as it marks 30 years
2 hours -
Countdown to Joy FM Big Workout begins with 14.7km walk by MGL’s Winston Amoah, Max Fugar
2 hours -
Kwadaso MCE warns against indiscriminately waste dumping
2 hours -
Gov’t anti-scam efforts bearing fruit, says Cybersecurity expert
2 hours -
Africa’s moment, if we get reading right
3 hours -
Free Cataract surgery brings new hope to over 500 residents in Ejura
3 hours -
We are all shocked and surprised at the quick turnaround of Ghana’s economy – Mahama
3 hours -
Rosemond Obeng defends NDC Hajj subsidy, questions Bawumia’s Israel travel claims
3 hours -
Bawumia promises recognition, welfare reforms for NPP grassroots
3 hours
