A day before another showdown with his latest rival, Usain Bolt didn’t show even the slightest trace of anxiety.
Why would he? When you’re this good — the Jamaican is going for a fourth straight world championship title in the 200 meters on Thursday night — you can afford to be extremely confident.
“Showing people that when it comes to the big time, I always show up and get things done,” Bolt said.
Justin Gatlin could have something to say about that. The American gets another crack at Bolt after losing a close race in the 100m on Sunday.
Gatlin was actually a favorite among the bettors in that one, in part because he looked so dominant in the rounds. This time, not so much. This is Bolt’s favorite event.
“I’m more professional with 200 meters,” Bolt said. “I’m just trying to get it done.”
Their semifinal heats on Wednesday were a contrast in styles. Gatlin went out with a vengeance, winning his heat in 19.87 seconds, which was the second-fastest semifinal time at the worlds.
“I didn’t think I was running that fast,” Gatlin said.
Bolt didn’t run all that hard at all. Maybe for the first 150 meters or so, but after that he put it on cruise control. He even flashed a quick grin at South African sprinter Anaso Jobodwana, who was trying to push him from the lane to his left.
“It was very easy,” Bolt explained. “I don’t expend a lot of energy. It was a smooth race.
“I’ve learned over the years I’m a great competitor. Everybody knows that. It’s all about focus now.”
Gatlin is focused, too. On catching up to Bolt. On breaking his rival’s hold on the world title.
A day before the final, he wasn’t about to give away any race strategy about how he was going to accomplish that, only saying his plan was to “stay in front.”
“That’s what it’s going to take,” Gatlin said. “I think I have a lot left in the tank.”
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)