Anthony Foster, Freelance Writer

Jamaica's Usain Bolt (centre) breaks the tape for a world record time of 9.72 seconds in the men's 100 metres sprint at the Reebok Grand Prix athletics meet last Saturday night, at Icahn Stadium in New York. - AP

Usain Bolt, the world's fastest man, stated yesterday that he wants to run the sprint double at this summer's Beijing Olympics in China.

On his arrival at the Norman Manley International Airport yesterday, Bolt said the decision was made easier after his world record run of 9.72 seconds last Saturday night at the Reebok Grand Prix in New York.

"I will be definitely going for the double," he said.

"I broke the record, so I guess that's made the decision easier," continued Bolt, who lowered the record of 9.74 seconds previously held by compatriot Asafa Powell.

"I am now the fastest man in the world, so I have to run it. You just tell yourself that you have to do it," added Bolt.

"It was my coach's decision to wait until after this race," said Bolt, who has been asked repeatedly if he would attempt the 100-200 double in Beijing after his 9.76 run at the Jamaica International in May.

Better things ahead

He also believes his chances to win the 100m are even better, at least now, in comparison to his pet event, the 200m.

"I feel my chances are very good because I have been working hard, I have been doing well throughout the season so far, I think I have a pretty good chance of winning the 100m."

He added: "Right now, the 100m definitely is where I stand a better chance."

Regarding the 200, he said it would be difficult to predict because "I have not run the 200m yet (this season), so I cannot say (anything) for that."

He also said with three world records - World Youth 200m (20.13), World Junior 200m (19.93) and now the 100m (9.72) - it would be good to get the 200m senior mark.

"I would love that because I have been working on my 200m for years, but right now I am not concentrating on the record, so I am just looking forward to the Olympics."

American Michael Johnson holds the world 200m record of 19.32 seconds.

NOT SURPRISED

Meanwhile, Bolt's coach, Glen Mills, said he was not surprised by the 100m world record.

"I am not surprised, based on his two races prior to this. It was clear to us that he was going to break the world record," he said.

Mills was making reference to Bolt's 9.76 and 9.91 runs in Jamaica and Trinidad, respectively.

He added: "I knew once the conditions were right and the competition is there ... and I think (Tyson) Gay provided that competition ..."

Mills' only surprise was the ease in which it was done.

"I was surprised the race was so easy for him, but I am not surprised he broke the record."