Jamaican sprint legend Usain Bolt insisted Friday his sights were set on an unprecedented "triple-triple" at next year's Rio Olympics, with a new world record in the 200m also a major goal.
"The 200m (world record) is definitely on the 'to-do list' for me, so I'm really focused on getting that done," Bolt told AFP.
Bolt is a six-time Olympic champion, having won the sprint double of the 100 and 200m in Beijing in 2008 and London four years later, while also garnering two golds as part of the all-conquering Jamaican 4x100m relay squad.
He also holds the world records for the 100 and 200m, and anchored the record-setting relay team.
"It's the Olympics, it's the biggest stage, so the opposition will be tough and it will be extremely exciting, and the possibility of a world record is always there," said Bolt, who will turn 30 on the day of the closing ceremony of the Rio Olympics.
"That's one of the reasons I'm so excited," he added in reference to the chance of completing a third triple of gold medals in defending his Olympic titles.
"It's going to be a big goal for me, so I need to use this season to make sure I'm on track to get here next year...the season is going well so far so I am happy and excited.
"I've got a lot of races to get into the shape that I want to be in. I have started the season OK, I have felt OK, I just need to be running races to get that sharpness. I am going to take my time and work my way up."
Bolt, who will retire in 2017 after the world championships, at which he will only run in the 100m, will race an exhibition 100m race at the Brazilian Jockey Club in Rio on Sunday.
Last week in Kingston, Bolt timed a steady 20.20sec over his season-opening 200m, a way off his world record mark of 19.19sec. His 100m record stands at 9.58sec.
AFP
Sat Apr 18 2015

Bolt, who will retire in 2017 after the world championships, at which he will only run in the 100m, will race an exhibition 100m race at the Brazilian Jockey Club in Rio on Sunday. - File Photo

Lebanese search for dead in devastated villages as Israel withdraws
Hezbollah says Israel was still occupying Lebanese territory and put the onus on the Lebanese state to get Israeli forces out.

China promises Latin America 'trustworthy' ties as Trump lays out demands
Beijing looks to improve its foothold in a region historically under the US sphere of influence.

Major risks loom as Trump upends US Russia policy
Washington's approach changes dramatically with the initial meeting between US and Russian negotiators.

Pope Francis has double pneumonia, complicating his treatment, Vatican says
Doctors say a polymicrobial infection occurs when two or more micro-organisms are involved and can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi.

Philippines' VP Duterte challenges impeachment before Supreme Court
Sara Duterte makes her first legal move to fight the case that could lead to her removal and lead to a lifetime ban from public office.

Motor racing - Hamilton steps out in red at unprecedented 10 team F1 launch
I feel so full of life, so much energy, because everything's new and I'm just focused on what is up ahead, Hamilton says.

UAE tells US' Rubio it rejects displacement of Palestinians
The UAE's stance matters as its one of four Arab nations that normalised ties with Israel during Trumps first term.

Taylor Swift wins recording artist of the year crown for fifth time
The megastar's "The Tortured Poets Department" record also topped four IFPI charts, the IFPI says.

More than $50 billion needed to rebuild Gaza, World Bank joint assessment says
Years of rebuilding work, including clearing unexploded ordinance and millions of tonnes of rubble lie ahead.

Malaysia’s AI data centre development to be impacted by recent US restrictions - Liew
Liew Chin Tong says the restrictions would not affect the development of the domestic data centre ecosystem as a whole.

Sweden's top court rejects Greta Thunberg lawsuit on climate action
A court cannot decide that the parliament or the government must take any specific action, the Supreme Court says.
![[COLUMNIST] Trump’s Gaza (pipe) dream [COLUMNIST] Trump’s Gaza (pipe) dream](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-10/51728873693_EMIR.jpg)
[COLUMNIST] Trump’s Gaza (pipe) dream
The Gaza plan is dangerous and counter-productive as it's merely another recipe for regional instability.

Sivasangari eyes new career-high in world rankings
After climbing to a career-best world number seven, national women's squash ace S. Sivasangari is determined to keep rising.

Outburst against Steven Sim: DAP will probe if there's a complaint - Loke
DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke says the disciplinary committee has not received any reports related to the incident so far.

US judge will not block Elon Musk from firing federal workers, accessing data
The case raises questions about Musk's apparent unchecked authority as a top deputy to President Donald Trump.

Dozens of false killer whales stranded on remote Australian beach
Rescue crews trying to save the majority of the large dolphins that survived the ordeal, according to authorities.

Trump restricts AP access over Gulf of Mexico issue
The AP, citing editorial standards, says it would continue to use the gulf's established name.

China to fly back 200 nationals rescued from Myanmar scam centres, Thai official says
This is part of a multinational effort to crack down on illegal online operations run from the region.

Somber Tiger Woods back in action in TGL loss to New York GC
Tiger Woods makes his first start since the death of his mother when he competed in a TGL match at Palm Beach Gardens.

Brazil's ex-President Bolsonaro charged in alleged coup plot
A total of 34 people were charged, including several military officials.