Sprinter Usain Bolt of Jamaica poses during a photo shoot beside a traditional routemaster bus in London. (Photo : Reuters)
Jamaican Usain Bolt is running for legendary status at this year's London Summer Olympics, but eyes are on a fellow Jamaican runner looking to take Bolt's momentum away.
The 25-year-old Bolt gained celebrity status when he broke records at the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics, establishing a new world record in the 100-meter race with a 9.69-second result. Bolt also won in the 200-meter and 4x100-meter relay races.
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Leading up to the London 2012 games, Bolt has suffered a string of injuries including a bad back. The pain has led to problems with his hamstring and a number of losses to fellow Jamaican sprinter Yohan Blake.
"It was a slight problem. I got that fixed and I'm ready to go," said Bolt. "My fitness (during the Olympic trials) was all right, I guess, but I wasn't at the best. I can't complain. It was all right. It's always a wake up call to get beaten. For me it's all about getting it right on the day. I'm all right (now)."
Bolt's loss was Blake's gain, winning both the 100-meters and 200-meters. Blake's wins led speculation that the 22-year-old could break Bolt's momentum during the Olympic races. Another plus for Blake, he's the 2011 World Champion in the 100-meter and 4x100-meter relay.
Both men are scheduled to compete in the Men's 100-meter, 200-meter, and the 4x100-meter relay.
"Win, lose or draw we are friends, even though it is business and he wants to win and I want to win," said Blake about Bolt.
"I wouldn't say I'm under pressure. I'm just focused on winning. I don't think it will be the end of the world if I lose," said Bolt. "I would definitely be disappointed if I was second. Mentally though I am always strong. I have a great team around me who keep me on track."
Bolt added, "My ultimate aim is to be a legend. Everyone knows it."
Usain Bolt and Yohan Blake's Schedule:
100-Meter
Men's 100-meter Round 1: August 4, 5:45 a.m. EST
Men's 100-meter Round 1: August 4, 7:30 a.m. EST
Men's 100-meter Round 1: August 5, 2:45 p.m. EST
Men's 100-meter Final: August 5, 4:50 p.m. EST
200-Meter
Men's 200-meter Round 1: August 7, 3:50 p.m. EST
Men's 200-meter Semifinals: August 8, 3:10 p.m. EST
Men's 200-meter Final: August 9, 3:55 p.m. EST
4x100-Meter Relay
Men's 4x100-meter Relay Round 1: - August 10, 2:45 p.m. EST
Men's 4x100-meter Relay Final: - August 11, 4 p.m. EST
The London 2012 Summer Olympics can be seen on the networks of NBC Universal.
