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Cape Town - Jamaican
sprinter Usain Bolt has issued a warning to his fellow competitors
ahead of the athletics showdown at this year's Olympics, saying they
will “feel his wrath”.
Bolt is the current reigning champion of the 100m and 200m events, and is favoured to maintain his titles four years on, despite being plagued by injuries leading up to the Games.
"I never try to predict times, because you never know what will happen. But for me the shape I'm in, I think 9.6 seconds definitely", Bolt said as quoted by the Mirror.
Bolt set the current Olympic record of 9.63 seconds four years ago at the London Games, and he believes he can do better this year. His is looking to be the first man in history to complete the sprint double at three consecutive Olympic Games.
Americans Justin Gatlin and LaShawn Merrit pose the biggest threat to Bolt's historic plans, and although they were convicted of doping in the past, Bolt believes that them competing will fire him up.
"I think they have not learned over the years that the more you talk, the more I will want to beat you. It's one of those things but I'm looking forward to it, should be exciting and they will feel my full wrath as always", added the champion.
Bolt, who didn't make it to the 2016 opening ceremony on Friday night due to missing the bus, is considered one of this year's biggest attractions at the Games, having fans as well as fellow athletes queuing in hopes of getting a selfie with him.
"He was getting bombarded when we saw him this week. I felt like a rookie. The whole team felt like nothing. But luckily we snuck in a selfie before he bolted", said Australian beach volleyball star Mariafe Artacho Del Solar.
Fans of the sprinter will have to wait till August 13 for their first glimpse of him, he is expected to compete in the heats of the men's 100m event at the Olympic Stadium.
