I'm looking at stepping up now' - Bolt ready to move into another phase of preparation

Robert Bailey, Gleaner Writer

Jamaica's world-leading sprinter, Usain Bolt, says he has begun serious background training as he seeks to defend his titles at this year's World Championships in Daegu, South Korea, in August.

Bolt told The Gleaner in an interview on Saturday - while on a visit to Chukka Caribbean Adventures in his hometown of Trelawny - that he has now fully recovered from the back injury which forced him to call a premature end to his season last August, and has intensified his work in training.

"I haven't had any problems," said Bolt. "The season has been going smoothly and I am working hard," he said. "I am looking at stepping up now ... we are just getting serious with a little bit of sprinting and so I am just trying to work hard to keep my back in great shape," Bolt said.

Bolt will defend his 100-metre and 200m titles at the upcoming World Championships, where he is expected to face stiff competition from American Tyson Gay, who won their clash last year to become the only man to beat him the 100m in two years; along with fellow countryman, Asafa Powell, and training partner Yohan Blake.

Not fazed

Despite losing to Gay, the 24-year-old Bolt, whose world records stand at 9.58 in the 100m and 19.19 in the 200m, added that he is not fazed by his rivals, who will be aiming to dethrone him at the World Championships.

"I wouldn't say it is going to be a pressure situation because it is one of my goals to defend my titles and for me that's my aim," Bolt said.

"It's a goal that I set for myself and I really want to get there, but all I have to do is to put in the work and then I should be good," said Bolt, who is also the defending 100m and 200m Olympic champion.

The World Championships, which runs from August 27 to September 4, is expected to attract major global attention as two years ago in Berlin, Bolt was in stunning form and established new records.

Bolt added that he is not focussing on records now, but taking his preparation one step at a time because his main aim is to regain full fitness.

"I am not really worried about times because every year I just train hard and the times will come," he said. "For me right now the main aim for is the World Championships."

Continuing his reference to world marks, he added: "I think that is always going to be difficult in any race that you run because people are always gunning for you, especially when you are on top.

"But for me it is going to be hard in every single race that I run this season ... I am really looking forward to the challenges because I love challenges," Bolt pointed out.

The sprinter, who is coached by Glen Mills, mentioned that he would most likely run competitively for the first time this season either at the Camperdown Classic or the Grace Jackson meet.