World’s fastest men win opening round

The world’s two fastest men, Usain Bolt and his Jamaican team mate Asafa Powell got their 100-metre campaign off to a comfortable start at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China last night Jamaican time at the Birds Nest Stadium.



The world’s two fastest men, Usain Bolt and his Jamaican team mate Asafa Powell got their 100-metre campaign off to a comfortable start at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China last night Jamaican time at the Birds Nest Stadium.



Bolt the world record holder cruised to victory in the opening heat of the men’s 100 metres in 10.20 seconds. He finished ahead of the young Antiguan Daniel Bailey, who clocked 10.24.



Powell, the former record holder won the second heat in 10.15 seconds.



An easy looking Powell finished ahead of St. Kitts and Nevis sprint ace Kim Collins, who clocked 10.17.



The 21 year old Bolt is widely considered a favourite for the gold medal after stunning performances, including the world record 9.72 seconds in the event this year.



Jamaica’s other entry; Michael Frater took heat four in 10.15.



The man, who the top two Jamaicans see as their main rival, American Tyson Gay, took heat five in 10.22.



The quarterfinals are scheduled to get off at this morning at 6.45 a.m. Jamaican time.



Athens silver medallist Jamaican Danny McFarlane starts his campaign this morning at 8.55 in the 400-metre hurdles along with teammates Markino Buckley and Isa Phillips.



Trecia Smith, who has been dogged by injury in the past two years and steeplechasers Korine Hinds and Mardrea Hyman are the other Jamaicans in action this morning.



Smith will compete in the women’s triple jump, which starts at 8.40 a.m.



Hinds and Hyman will be the first Jamaicans on track this morning as the women’s 3000-metre steeplechase begins at 7.25.