'Slow' Bolt still the fastest among peers
Usain Bolt made a cautiousstart in his first 100 meters since his disqualification at the world championships last month, and still ended up winning in a season-best 9.85 seconds at the Zagreb World Challenge on Tuesday.
Usain Bolt made a cautiousstart in his first 100 meters since his disqualification at the world championships last month, and still ended up winning in a season-best 9.85 seconds at the Zagreb World Challenge on Tuesday.
Bolt, who false-started in Daegu to end his hopes of defending his world title, shaved 0.03 seconds off his previous fastest time this year 9.88 at Monaco in June on a warm, still night.
"It was a poor start," said Bolt, the world and Olympic record-holder. "I kind of lost concentration and just went through the line. It was OK, I suppose, but I could have done better, especially with the weather like that."
Kim Collins of Saint Kitts and Nevis ran a season-best 10.01 seconds to finish second, ahead of Trinidad's Richard Thompson at 10.03.
There was standing room only at the 61st Boris Hanzekovic Memorial, where Real Madrid president Florentino Perez and club official Emilio Butragueno arrived in time to see Bolt in action. Real kick off their Champions League campaign at Dinamo Zagreb on Wednesday.
"It was wonderful, the crowd here," Bolt said. "I loved that they were excited and that the fans come up to me. I'm always grateful for that."
However, security had trouble controlling the crowd as "Boltmania" took hold when he celebrated with delirious fans.
"It's not as bad in Jamaica, where they see me every day," Bolt laughed.
The Jamaican star's news conference was cut short when too many journalists tried to force their way into the room.
The appearance of local favorite Blanka Vlasic in the women's high jump also delighted the home crowd, although she eventually succumbed to world champion Anna Chicherova.
Both cleared 2 meters, with Chicherova declared the winner after Vlasic who was carrying a leg injury missed on the first attempt.
In the men's 100 hurdles, Cuba's world record holder Dayron Robles beat world champion Jason Richardson for the second race in a row.
Richardson set a personal best of 13.04 seconds, but Robles won in 13.00. David Oliver of the US was third in 13.20.
Carmelita Jeter claimed the women's 100m in 11.00. The American was pushed hard to the line by Schillonie Calvert of Jamaica, who finished in 11.13, with Bulgaria's Ivet Lalova third in 11.33.
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