'I'm extremely disappointed'

• Bolt shifts focus to running well in 200m
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André Lowe, Senior Staff Reporter

DAEGU, South Korea:

Sprint deity Usain Bolt has thanked his fans across the globe for their outpouring of support following his false start in Sunday's final of the men's 100m at the IAAF World Championships in Athletics.

The double sprint world record holder has also vowed to try to make up for his error, when he returns to the track to defend his 200m title later this week.

Bolt, quite uncharacteristically, jumped the gun and was ejected in the final that was eventually won by his countryman, training partner and close friend, Yohan Blake, in 9.92 seconds, to finish ahead of Walter Dix, 10.08, and Kim Collins, 10.09.

The Olympic 100m and 200m champion and world record holder in both events, who expressed disappointment at what transpired, also paid homage to Blake and the other medallists and said the setback is already behind him.

"First, I would like to congratulate my teammate Yohan Blake and the other athletes who won the medals," said Bolt through a release issued yesterday by his publicist, Carole Beckford.

"Thanks to all the people who sent me good wishes and I will try my best to make you proud in the 200m," he added.

Bolt, however, insisted that it is time to move on, and underlined that he still has a major role to play at the championships, with his pet event the 200m and the 4x100m still to come.

"However, I have to move on now, as there is no point to dwell on the past. I have a few days to refocus and get ready for the 200m on Friday. After this, I have the 4x100m and a few other races before the end of the season. I know that I am now in good shape and will focus on running well in the 200m," Bolt noted.

Following his mishap, Bolt was back at it yesterday morning bright and early, going through his paces. Word is that the 25-year-old is itching to set things right in the half-lap event.

Speaking of his thoughts going into the 100m final, Bolt said that he was ready to run fast and was feeling good about his chances after impressing in the earlier rounds.

"Of course, I am extremely disappointed not to have had the chance to defend my title due to the false start. I was feeling great through the rounds and was ready to run fast in the final. I worked very hard to get ready for this championships and things were looking good," Bolt said.

Bolt's ejection has caused the IAAF to consider looking into the false-start rule, following outcry from a number of athletes, fans and track and field pundits.