Usain Bolt's feverishly anticipated first sporting activity at the Rio 2016 OIympic Games went according to plan as he cruised through his 100m heat on Saturday morning (13 August) in a time of 10.07 seconds.

However, the man himself was not particularly impressed with his own performance at the Olympic Stadium, describing it as "kinda sluggish".

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The Jamaican sprinter's arrival on track was greeted with a deafening roar from the thousands of fans massed inside the Olympic Stadium to see him.

Bolt's response – by his own showboating standards – was humble. Just two raised arms followed by a small round of applause for the crowd, maintaining the 29-year-old's more restrained approach at these Games.

After all the build-up, the race itself seemed almost like a formality, but nerves were plainly visible on Bolt's face in the warm-up indicated he was ready to get serious.

Usain Bolt: what time are the Jamaican sprinter's heats, semi-final and finals?

After a typically slow start, Bolt found his pace in the second half of the race. He took several glances at the clock and at his closest challenger, Andrew Fisher of Bahrain, before easing up in the final few metres.

Nevertheless, there was evidence to suggest Bolt will not have it all his own way as he aims to secure the sprint crown he won at Beijing 2008 and London 2012.

Usain Bolt: what time are the Jamaican sprinter's heats, semi-final and finals?

Bolt's qualifying time was only the fourth fastest overall, with Canada's Andre De Grasse, Ivory Coast's Ben Youssef Meite and Justin Gatlin all quicker than the Jamaican superstar.

American Gatlin – the man who many believe is the only one who can possibly stop Bolt at these Games – won his heat in 10.01, the best time of the day.

Usain Bolt to fans: come and watch me make history at Rio 2016

Bolt attributed his "sluggishness" to the time of day.

"I think because it's the morning. I'm not used to running this early in the morning," he said.

"It wasn't the best start. I felt kind of slow. Hopefully tomorrow I'll come out and I'll feel much better, much smoother."

Gatlin was more upbeat about his own display, saying: "I felt good. I think I'm going to have to run a bit faster (than 9.80, his season best) to win this medal. 

"The crowd was great. It's the culture to party. It's excitement. We're going to bring that to the track."

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"I know the sport needs me to win and come out on top"

 

London 2012 silver medallist Yohan Blake, of Jamaica, is also safely through the semi-final after easing through his heat in a time of 10.11, making him the sixth fastest qualifier in Rio. 

"My preparation has been great. I'm wiser than at London, more mature," he said.

The men's 100m semi-finals begin on Sunday at 9pm, with the final at 10.25pm.

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