Rio 2016: Ultimate Guide to Usain Bolt’s historic triple Olympic gold bid
USAIN Bolt’s bid for a historic triple-triple is on course after the 200m semi-finals, and he he might just add a world record for good measure.
Athletics
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ONE down and two to go, Usain Bolt was chasing a world record and “immortality” when his bid for a triple-triple of gold medals continued on Thursday (AEST).
Bolt had a classic battle with Andre DeGrasse in his semi-final to qualify fastest through to the final with 19.78s.
The pair were laughing at each other as they crossed the line and Bolt had plenty more in the tank.
Bolt began his historic bid when he flashed across the line first in the 100m final, beating rival Justin Gatlin to silver in 9.81 seconds.
Bolt, Gatlin and co were back in action in the 200m semis in Thursday and Gatlin was a big casualty, bombing out of contention after finishing third in his heat. Also gone was Bolt’s fellow Jamaican Yohan Blake.
Bolt has vowed to try bring down his 200m world record of 19.19 seconds set in 2009.
“I came here and I really want the 200 world record,” Bolt said.. ‘That’s something that I really want.
“If I can get a good night’s rest after the 200m semifinals then there’s a possibility I could. I’m going to go out and leave it all on the track.
“Come the 200m final I’ll run as hard as I can and try to execute as best as I possibly can.”
Bolt is trying to become the first person to win the 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay at three successive Olympics.
“I came to these Olympics to win three gold medals. I came to prove myself one of the greats and that’s my goal.
“Somebody said I can become immortal. Two more medals to go and I can sign off. Immortal,” said Bolt.
Here’s what you need to know as the fastest man on the planet closes in on history.
WHEN DOES BOLT RACE NEXT?
The 200m final is 11.30am AEST on Friday.
The final of the 4x100m relay will be on Saturday at 11.35am AEST.
WHERE CAN I WATCH IT?
Channel Seven will show the race and you can get live coverage via foxsports.com.au.
WHO ARE THE DANGERS?
Bolt’s main rival in the 200m is LaShawn Merritt of the USA, a bronze medallist in the 400m, and 100m bronze medallist Andre DeGrasse.
The elimination of Gatlin and Blake, two of the top five favourites, brought Bolt’s price in from $1.07 to $1.02.
THE STARTING LIST AND ODDS
Usain Bolt $1.02
Andre De Grasse $26
LaShawn Merritt $41
Edward Alonso $101
Christophe Lemaitre $101
Adan Gemili $251
Ramil Guliyev $251
Churandy Martina $251
Follow all the action in the blog below.
Originally published as Rio 2016: Ultimate Guide to Usain Bolt’s historic triple Olympic gold bid
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