Bolt works hard ahead of Manchester strike

Jamaica's Usain Bolt, the world's fastest man, is working hard to regain his peak form ahead of a 150-metre street race Sunday at Manchester.

Only four days after stitches were removed from his left foot following injuries from a car crash, Bolt was declared fit and ready to race in England by manager Norman Peart on Monday even as Bolt continued his intense workouts.

"Right now I'm trying to get back in shape because I missed a lot of training days," Bolt said. "I am doing a lot of work by myself ... just trying to do every little thing to get back my edge to go out and compete."

Bolt, who won Beijing Olympic 100 and 200 gold in world record times last August, crashed his car in a ditch along a rain-slick road on April 29 and later had surgery on his left foot to remove thorns he stepped upon.

"He is OK. He is training pain-free and is on target to run in Manchester next Sunday," Peart said. "He will leave either Wednesday or Thursday."

His status for Manchester was uncertain until Bolt's training sessions and condition were evaluated, although Bolt did not want to miss out on a chance to see Manchester United star forward Ronaldo as well as test himself in the race.

"I'm looking forward to it because I will going there to compete and not as a spectator in the street race," Bolt said.

Bolt made himself to world target with world records of 9.60 seconds in the 100 and 19.30 at 200. He knows his top rivals are training hard and have not had to deal with the auto accident setback.

"A lot of these guys out there are really working hard and training to beat me, so I have to get myself back into shape," Bolt said.

"I don't worry about any athlete.... I just go out there to compete at my best at all times and that is what I am going to do this season. I'm just trying to get back in shape and try to execute my races as best as possible."

KINGSTON, AFP