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Rediff.com  » Sports » Bolt mulls retirement after Rio Olympics

Bolt mulls retirement after Rio Olympics

August 28, 2015 16:26 IST
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'So it's all about how I feel after Rio, if I feel I can really put my body through one more season. If I'm going to be focused and I'm going to be determined. That will determine if I compete after Rio. So we'll see how it goes'

Usain Bolt (JAM) poses after winning the 200m in 19.55 during the IAAF World Championships in Athletics at National Stadium

Usain Bolt (JAM) poses after winning the 200m in 19.55 during the IAAF World Championships in Athletics at National Stadium on Thursday. Photograph: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports/Reuters

Usain Bolt said he might end his glittering career at next year's Olympics after he completed a world sprint double in Beijing.

Bolt, 29, has expressed his doubt about participating in the next World Championship in London in 2017, saying that he was fifty-fifty for the tournament, and added that he could take this decision only after participating in Rio.

"After Rio, as I said, my sponsors want me to go one more year, but my coach said, 'Listen to me, if you're not going to be serious about going to the world championships in London,' then I shouldn't do it," he said.

"So it's all about how I feel after Rio, if I feel I can really put my body through one more season. If I'm going to be focused and I'm going to be determined. That will determine if I compete after Rio. So we'll see how it goes."

Bolt, troubled by pelvic problems this year, was pushed all the way by Justin Gatlin in Sunday's 100m, but had an easier ride in the 200m as he beat the American by nearly two-tenths of a second.

It was the fourth consecutive world 200m title for the 29-year-old, who has won all but one world and Olympic sprint competitions since he lit up the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

However, Bolt's celebrations came to a sticky end at the Bird's Nest stadium on Thursday when a TV cameraman riding an electric scooter lost control and ploughed into him from behind, sending the Jamaican flying.

"I probably should get my legs insured," smiled the six-times Olympic champion. "It was pretty scary when it happened but accidents happen."

The big Jamaican sprinter also said that he wants to prove to the world and to American competitor Justin Gatlin that he is still the 'Sprint-king', following his 200meters victory over the latter.

Six-time Olympic champion insisted that he never had a doubt about this and added that his only worry was the fact he didn't race sharp.

Bolt clocked 19.55sec to win his 10th World Championship gold.

Controversial Gatlin finished second at 19.74 seconds, ahead of his South African fellow Anaso Jobodwana, who finished third in 19.87seconds.

Bolt and Gatlin will next meet again in the 400 meters relay on Saturday.

 Gold medalist Usain Bolt, left, of Jamaica talks with silver medalist Justin Gatlin of the United States after the men's 200 metres final

Gold medalist Usain Bolt, left, of Jamaica talks with silver medalist Justin Gatlin of the United States after the men's 200 metres final. Photograph: Michael Steele/Getty Images

Both athletes will then head to the Van Damme Diamond League in Brussels.

Bolt and Justin Gatlin will race again in Brussels next month, but not against each other, organisers of the Van Damme Diamond League meeting said on Friday.

"No chance for rematch," meeting director Wilfried Meert told Reuters in an email.

"Will be Gatlin in the 100 and Bolt in the 200."

Bolt ended American Gatlin's two-year unbeaten streak with victories in both the 100 and 200 metres at the Beijing world championships, though his participation at the September 11 meeting in Brussels is contingent on fitness, his agent said.

"Usain's only scheduled race this year after Beijing is Brussels provided he comes through this meet fit and healthy," Ricky Simms said in an email to Reuters.

"When he gets back to Europe next week we will see how he recovers from the exertions of the past week.

"The big goal is Rio."

Bolt is expected to seek his third consecutive set of triple Olympic gold medals in Brazil next year.

Prior to Beijing, Bolt and Gatlin had not met since September 2013 when the Jamaican won the 100 metres and Gatlin finished fourth in Brussels.

Overall, Bolt holds an 8-2 advantage in career clashes.

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