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Commonwealth Games 2018: Quirkiest moments from day 9 on the Gold Coast

WHEN it comes to athletics, few have had a bigger impact than Usain Bolt. But even the GOAT has some regrets from his sprinting career. What could it be? Plus, what does an Australian runner have in common with Winx?

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YOU would think a man who retired with eight Olympic gold medals would be hard pressed to have any regrets from his glittering career.

But the world’s fastest man has at least one item on his to-do list he will never get to cross off.

On the Gold Coast as a Commonwealth Games ambassador, Usain Bolt has opened up on his biggest regret on the track.

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“The only thing that I would have wanted really was to run under 19 seconds (in the 200m),” Bolt said. “That would have been something big.”

Bolt won Olympic 200m gold at Beijing, London and Rio. His best time across those three meets was 19.30 at the 2008 Games.

Usain Bolt is in town for the Commonwealth Games. Picture: AFP PHOTO / SAEED KHAN
Usain Bolt is in town for the Commonwealth Games. Picture: AFP PHOTO / SAEED KHAN

However, despite his regret, Bolt can still see the positives out of his missed chance.

“But I have the world record, so it’s fine,” he joked.

Bolt set the 200m world record in 2009 with a time of 19.19.

JUST LIKE WINX?

Ryan Gregson made it through to the final of the men’s 1500m, but not before sending a few scares through the home camp.

The Aussie kept everyone guessing throughout his heat, spending most of his time at the back of the field before storming home late to book his place in Saturday’s gold medal showdown.

When asked about his risky strategy, Gregson noted that if it is good enough for one of Australia’s all-time great sprinters to storm home from the back of the field then it is good enough for him.

“Winx probably has a few punters wondering too,” he joked.

Ryan Gregson at the back of the pack in the men’s 1500m. Picture: AAP Images
Ryan Gregson at the back of the pack in the men’s 1500m. Picture: AAP Images

“That is where I am more comfortable. I can sit back, relax and use my mental and physical energy at the end of the race.”

In what could be a good omen for the Aussie, Winx will shoot for her 25th straight victory just hours before Gregson contests his final.

SQUASH FANS REJOICE!

Is the wheel finally starting to turn for squash fans desperate to see more of their favourite athletes on free to air TV?

The sport’s governing body made headlines earlier in the Games for encouraging disappointed fans to contact Channel 7 directly over the lack of coverage from the Gold Coast.

But with Australia closing in on medals and with a number of high profile sports finished, the time for mainstream coverage could be now according to Aussie star Ryan Cuskelly.

“The girls got on the live TV (yesterday), but there wasn’t much of the singles, which was disappointing,” he said.

Cameron Pilley and Ryan Cuskelly in action during the men’s squash. Picture: Getty Images
Cameron Pilley and Ryan Cuskelly in action during the men’s squash. Picture: Getty Images

“We were doing really well in the swimming, which is probably their focus which is understandable.

“It’d be nice if they showed some love to the squash players. I think we’ll get some more time as the next few days we’re good medal chances with the doubles, which is good.”

Cuskelly and Cameron Pilley are hunting for gold in the men’s doubles.

TURN THE SOUND UP FOR THIS ONE!

We’ve seen plenty of amazing celebrations over the course of the Games.

But this one might take the cake.

Indian boxer Amit got a big win today over Juma Miiro and his coach couldn’t contain his excitement.

Turn the sound up and listen to his reaction below.

Originally published as Commonwealth Games 2018: Quirkiest moments from day 9 on the Gold Coast

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Original URL: https://www.themercury.com.au/sport/commonwealth-games/commonwealth-games-2018-quirkiest-moments-from-day-9-on-the-gold-coast/news-story/3f73bc81e8415a194d4c483b85f16ef9