Bolt to focus on 200m

Peter Marshall

Bolt to focus on 200m image

The 27-year-old is the world record holder over both distances, having set a benchmark of 9.58 seconds on his way to gold in the 100m at the World Championships in Berlin in 2009.

His success in the blue-riband sprint at Olympic level at both Beijing 2008 and again at London 2012 has made him one of the most recognisable sportsmen on the planet.

Yet Bolt, who also defended his 200m and 4x100m relay crowns in London and on Saturday added the latter Commonwealth title to his collection, is keen to focus his attentions on the longer distance.

And he has revealed that his main motivation will be bettering his own 200m world best of 19.19secs, also set in Berlin five years ago.

"I think I've done enough in the 100," the Jamaican told BBC Radio 5 live.

"I know people want to see me run fast in the 100 but I love my 200 and I want to do something special for myself. So for me, my main aim is the 200.

"The world record can keep going down, you never know who's going to show up next and dominate.

"I've said I want to run sub 19 [seconds], that's one of my biggest goals and my biggest dreams, so I'm definitely going to be training hard and seeing what I can do."

Peter Marshall

Peter Marshall Photo

Peter Marshall has worked in sports media for more than two decades, covering everything from boxing, F1 and tennis to the World Cup and Olympics.