Champion sprinter Usain Bolt vows to set a new record

Usain Bolt, the fastest man in the world, said he aspires to breaking the world records for the 100 meter and 200 meter sprints. Already world record holder for both, he will compete in the 2015 IAAF World Championships to be held in Beijing, China, in August.

According to Germany’s news agency DPA on Thursday, Bolt said, "World records are always there to be broken. I am sure the times over 100 and 200 meters can still be improved.” He set new world records in the 2009 Berlin world championships in the men’s 100 meter dash, of 9.58 seconds and in the men’s 200 meter dash, of 19.19 seconds. In particular, Bolt stressed his desire to run a 200-meter event in less than 19 seconds. Bolt said he wanted to be the first athlete to do so, and he said it would be difficult for the next generation to beat.

Bolt, who once used displayed interest in the long jump, said he has decided not to compete in the long jump upon discussing with his coach, due to higher risk of injury.

The world record holder and two-time defending Olympic 200-meter champion expressed objections to the International Olympic Committee’s plan to streamline Olympic events and possibly cut the 200-meter race from the Olympic Games, which some reports have mentioned. Pundits say Bolt’s comment is to drum up interest in the 200 meters. Yet many say, however, that Bolt, who is now past his prime, is unlikely to set new records.