Usain Bolt pulled away from pack and never had to look back on Saturday at the London Grand Prix, winning the 200m race in 19.76 seconds.
The 100m world record holder from Jamaica got off to a fast start at Crystal Palace and led for about the final 100m, winning by a half second despite easing up at the end.
“I came out here with a plan and I did execute that well,” Bolt said. “My coach, no doubt, will tell me what I did wrong. I just came here to work on my 200 and I did just that today.”
PHOTO: AFP
Wallace Spearmon of the US was second in 20.27 and Paul Hession of Ireland was third in 20.37.
Bolt is one of the favorites for both the 100m and 200m at the Beijing Olympics, even though he has not yet decided to run in both races next month.
“I’m still not sure about Beijing. I’m still waiting to see what’s going on,” Bolt said. “I’d definitely like to double. I think I could do well in both.”
Bolt set the 100m world record of 9.72 seconds in May, breaking the 9.74 mark of Jamaican teammate Asafa Powell.
“I’m just looking for consistency and to do what my coach says,” Bolt said. “I’m managing to do that right now.”
World champion Kerron Clement appeared to effortlessly circle the track in the 400m hurdles, easily winning in 48.36.
“I was aiming to get out quickly and I got the start I wanted,” the American said. “I’ll probably do a little more speed work before Beijing, but everything looks good at the moment.”
Richard Yates of Britain was second in 49.06 and Markino Buckley of Jamaica was third in 49.18.
World indoor champion Lolo Jones of the US came from behind to win the women’s 100m hurdles in 12.58, and Melanie Walker of Jamaica won the 400m hurdles in 54.22.
Jones, who said Saturday’s race was her last before the Olympics, edged Sally McLellan of Australia, who fell just after crossing the line in 12.61.
“I didn’t get a good start at all,” Jones said. “Sally had most of the race but it gives me good heart to know that I can still win even with a poor start.”
In the women’s 100, world champion Veronica Campbell-Brown caught up to Jamaican teammate Shelly-Ann Fraser toward the end of the race and held her off to win in 10.87.
“I’m in a great position to defend my 200m title in Beijing,” Campbell-Brown said. “As for the 100, that’s up to the selectors.”
Fraser finished in 10.95, and Marshevet Hooker of the US was third in 11.07.
Former world champion Torri Edwards of the US finished fourth in 11.09.
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