Nashauna Drummond, Lifestyle Coordinator

Bolt's sub-10 seconds at the recent Jamaica International Invitational Track Meet gives Jamaica bragging rights of having the two fastest men in history. - Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer

At the 2008 Jamaica International Invitational Track Meet on May 3, the National Stadium erupted into a frenzy. World Junior 200 metres champion, Usain Bolt, became the second-fastest man in history, clocking 9.76 seconds in the 100 metres. Now, everyone's waiting to see if he will go for the 9.74 world record, currently held by fellow Jamaican, Asafa Powell. Powell had equalled his previous record of 9.77 three times before lowering it to 9.74 in September 2007.

Full Speed ahead

Bolt shot to notoriety in 2001 and solidified his potential at the age of 15, winning both the Carifta and CAC Junior Championships in 2002. In a recent interview with Flair, this six-foot-five-inch gentle giant spoke of his aim to be number one.

"It's the first season that I'm seriously doing the 100 metres. It's a great feeling and a big accomplishment (recent record), and I'm looking forward to see if I can be number one." There is no hint of arrogance, just a cool confidence in the only child of Jennifer Bolt.

Now, the question everyone is asking is if this new 100-metre champ will run it at the Olympics. So far, Bolt and his coach haven't decided, but the 200 metres is his first love. "I prefer the 200 metresbecause that's what I've been working hard on, and it's close to my heart," said Bolt.

But while he focuses on the upcoming Olympics, all eyes are on him, including those of rival, Tyson Gay.

"Tyson Gay is a very tough competitor who wants to be on top. I know I can beat him. He is looking forward to the competition and so am I." So when will they meet?

"I will be at the Grand Prix in New York on May 31; don't know if Tyson will be there, but I will."

Nervous

And will nerves be a factor?

"At World Juniors, I was very nervous, I can't tell you how nervous I was. But after I overcame that, and when you win at home, you can win anywhere. Before a race, I think about random stuff to relax, like what I'm going to do after the race".

Bolt also knows how to deal with losing. "When I lose a race, it's just one of those days. Everyone has down days, so I just think next time I'll correct it and move on."

As to a possible showdown with the champ, the two are great friends. "I spoke to him a few days ago (he wasn't in the island). He (Asafa) said congratulations. Nothing has changed, we are friends, but when it's time to compete, you're enemies. We would not make a race come between five years of friendship."

Confidence galore

Despite his continuous record-breaking performances, Bolt remains grounded and humble.

Watching him on the track, one may think he is arrogant, especially because of his 'style' of constantly looking over his shoulder. "It's just a bad habit. Over the years, I've matured and try to cut it out. It's getting less. Wallace Spearmon used to beat me for that."

Focus on olympics

For now, the focus is on the Olympics and China, something Bolt is looking forward to. "China is a technology capital and I'll be looking around for phones. I love phones."

Until then, he continues his training, having taken a year off from his studies at the University of Technology to concentrate on his training.

Until he brings home the Olympic gold, the World Junior meet means the most to him because, "I was in front of my home crowd".

Bolt loves performing in front of his home crowd and has no desire to live or study elsewhere. "I can't live outside of Jamaica. On my first time on the international circuit, I cried to come home. I was homesick."

Recreation

Outside of training, the champ will be up late watching The George Lopez Show or past episodes of The Fresh Prince of Bel Air. You may even find him competing in video game tournaments among friends.

Unfortunately, ladies, young Bolt is not available and has been in a committed relationship for over five years. His favourite food is pork (though he eats anything) and among his most motivating influences are his parents.

"My parents motivate me a lot to keep doing what I'm doing to make sure they live a good life".

This six-foot-five-inch giant aims to be number one. - photos by Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer