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Bolt is a 'freak of athletics', says Christie

Cape Town - Former British Olympic champion Linford Christie feels the reason why sprint king Usain Bolt is so great is because his preparation is perfect ahead of major events.

The 29-year-old Jamaican heads to the Rio Games targeting three gold medals just like he accomplished at the 2008 and 2012 Games.

Christie said in a recent interview that he expects the world record holder to carry on with his unbelievable Olympic success at Rio.

The Brit feels that the reason for Bolt’s success lies in the 'old way' that he trains by doing longer runs which in-turn makes him stronger to deliver explosive speed.

“Bolt trains the old way with a lot of longer runs,” the 56-year-old Christie said. “Anyone else wants a shortcut, running 150 meters and a lot of 60 meters.

“They’re quick but when it comes to putting it out there they are not strong.

“They haven’t got the same speed and strength endurance that Usain has, and that’s why he’s so much better than anybody else.”

Christie added that the six-time Olympic champion is “a freak of athletics” who intimidates his opponents well before they even line up for the start of a race.

“I don’t think you can ever write off Bolt,” Christie said. “His presence alone is part of that."

Bolt will be representing Jamaica at the following events in Rio (SA times):

Men's 100m - Final: Monday, 15 August at 03:25

Men's 200m - Final: Friday, 19 August at 03:30

Men's 4x100m relay - Final: Saturday, 20 August at 03:35

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