Usain Bolt happy with Diamond League performance in Paris, France
The fastest man in the world once again demonstrated his prowess in the 100 meter race by winning in the Diamond League athletics meet staged at the Stade France in Paris. Usain Bolt cruised past his compatriot Asafa Powell to end the race with a time of 9.84 seconds.
The athletic sensation, who has rewritten record books with some outstanding runs in the last three years or so, once again demonstrated that he was a truly special athlete as even an Achilles strain did little to hamper his performance as he sprinted to success.
Pitched against Powell for the first time in the season, the Jamaican started in his typical slow fashion before putting his foot on the accelerator as he breezed through the last stages of the race to record the third best time of the year before an enthralled audience that was rooting for the champion.
The triple Olympic champion, who set alight the games in Beijing two years ago which propelled him to unparalleled popularity around the world as he soared to new heights, has had his season interrupted by a tendon strain. It was perhaps a contributing factor as he pulled away over the latter part of the race from Powell, who finished as the runners-up in a time of 9.91 seconds.
Despite the slackening start, Bolt registered his third fastest time for the year and the third fastest in all competitions in 2010.
"Well overall, Paris is great, I really enjoy coming here and the race is good overall," said Bolt as went on to add that it was not an easy task to make a return from his injury and he needs more time to be at his lightening best.
"I need to work on a few things because I was kind of off this time but I have two weeks to go to Jamaica and try to get it done," said the exuberant Jamaican.
Bolt also made a new fashion statement in the race when he ran in a distinctive purple vest with his surname emblazoned across the front.
On the other hand, Asafa Powell, who is set to have an intense rivalry with Bolt throughout the season this year as well as the London Olympics in two years time, was not happy with his time.
"I'm not happy, I felt some problem in my groin area and I had to fight till the end. But you know, it happens sometimes and it will get better," he said.
Meanwhile, Usain Bolt, who mesmerized the audience with his reggae skills in a small concert in the middle of Paris earlier in the week, was elated with his performance. Adoring fans at the venue applauded his runs and were overjoyed when he took a victory lap of the stadium.
The fans were on their feet, chanting slogans in his favour, waving at him and blowing kisses in his direction, as the Jamaican became the darling of the crowd.
After the race, Bolt disclosed that he had completed the race without any pain and he is confident that he will overcome the problem in the later stages of the season.
The Jamaican is expected to be the star attraction as he makes his appearance in the forthcoming season in different competitions all across the globe in a bid to prepare for the 2010 Olympics.
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