Multiple Olympic Champion, Usain Bolt proved why he’s still the man to beat in the sprints after winning his 100m Heat in an impressive time of 10.07s, to automatically qualify for the semifinals at the ongoing Rio Olympic Games in Brazil.
The Jamaican despite having a poor start, clawed his way back in the middle of the race, before slowing things down towards the finish line to take victory ahead of Bahrain’s Andrew Fisher, who clocked 10.12s while Great Britain’s James Dasaolu completed the automatic qualifying spot running 10.18s.
Bolt will be happy with his win, and hope for a faster time in the semis, which will take him one step closer to his dreams of becoming the first man in history to win three consecutive Olympic titles.
In Heat 2, USA’s Justin Gatlin ran the fastest time of all Heats, stopping the clock at 10.01s for victory. The World 100m Silver medallist although running from Lane 7, was never threatened from the start showing the form that he’s in, as he aims to upstage Bolt for the Olympic title.
Antigua and Bermuda’s Daniel Bailey, took the runner-up position in 10.20s, while Rondel Sorrillo of Trinidad and Tobago was 3rd in 10.23. Former Nigerian Champion, Ogho Oghene-Egwero also competed in the Heat but finished 6th in 10.37s, which was the same time as Cote D’Ivoire’s Hua Wilfried Koffi, who settled for 7th.
London 2012 Silver medallist, Yohan Blake also took things easy in Heat 6 clocking 10.11s ahead of Turkey’s Jak Ali Harvey, who sealled the automatic semifinal placement with 10.14s.
However, African Champion, Ben Youssef Meite created one of the upsets on the day, winning Heat 5 with the second fastest time of 10.03s, to finish ahead of World Indoor Champion, Travon Brommel who clocked 10.13s. Frenchman Christoph Lemaitre and Cejhae Greene of Trinidad and Tobago also progressed to the semis as one of the fastest losers, with their times of 10.16s and 10.20s respectively.
China’s Xie Zhenye was the surprise Heat 3 winner in 10.08s, with Jamaica’s Nickel Ashmeade placing 2nd in 10.13s and Iran’s Hassan Taftian 3rd in 10.17s. Never ageing Kim Collins was 4th, clocking 10.18s which was enough to also book a spot in the semifinals.
World Bronze medallist, Andre De Grasse of Canada saw off challenge from Japan’s Aska Cambridge to win Heat 4 in 10.04s, with South Africa’s Record holder, Akani Simbine taking the final Heat in 10.14s.
Meanwhile, Nigerian Champion Seye Ogunlewe could not progress to the semis after finishing 4th clocking 10.26s. Bahrain’s Kemarly Brown won in 10.13s, same time as Great Britain’s Chijindu Ujah who was 2nd, while USA’s Marvin Bracy was 3rd in 10.16s.
