Rio de Janeiro: Usain Bolt took another step in his quest for an unprecedented sprint “triple triple” when he safely negotiated the first round of the 200m on Tuesday.
Bolt won a third successive 100m title on Sunday to set up his bid to repeat his haul of three gold medals in the 100, 200 and 4x100m relay at both the Beijing and London Olympics in 2008 and 2012 respectively.
Bolt, who is desperate to better his 2009 world record best of 19.19sec, clocked 20.28sec in winning his first round heat, easing up a full 50 metres from the line.
“I hate morning heats so I’m happy to get this out of the way,” said Bolt.
“I was nervous because the 200m is my favourite event. I didn’t want to go out. It’s a good start and I’m happy,” he added. Bolt said he was over his exertions in the blue riband 100m. “I’ve recovered from the 100m,” he insisted. “I’m tired now, but happy to be through. I’m looking forward to tomorrow’s semi-finals.”
American Justin Gatlin, who won silver behind Bolt in the 100m, also looked comfortable as he won his heat in 20.42sec. Unlike the frosty reception afforded him by a jeering Olympic Stadium crowd before the 100m heats and final, Gatlin was actually cheered in bright sunny conditions.
