The ultimate showman, Usain Bolt still aiming for 200m world record at Rio 2016
Jamaican sprint legend puts on a show in his only public appearance before he starts bid for 'triple-triple'
Bolt received a Carnival-themed welcome at the Cidade das Artes in Barra da Tijuca (Photo: JOA/Rvon Kruger)
In his only public appearance before he bids to make history at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, Usain Bolt was asked on Monday (8 August) if he considered himself a sprinter or an entertainer. The Jamican superstar replied that he is an athlete first and foremost, but by the end of the event, he had again illustrated that he is a showman at heart.
After geeing up the audience as he entered the stage, Bolt entertained with his answers, received a rapped tribute and then took selfies as he danced with a group of scantily clad Carnival dancers, before exiting.
Usain Bolt to fans: come and watch me make history at Rio 2016
"I am both," Bolt said when asked to chose between athlete and entertainer. "I'm definitely a sprinter first, but I like to entertain because that's what people come for. I try to entertain and make it different."
Bolt is aiming to complete an unprecendented 'triple-triple' in Rio by defending the 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay titles he won at the Beijing 2008 and London 2012 Olympic Games. He confirmed it would be his last Olympic Games and has made bettering his 200m world record of 19.19 seconds a top target, although he admits it wilI be difficult.
Bolt take a selfie with the media at Cidade das Artes (Photo: JOA/Rvon Kruger)
"I really want it," he said. "I really, really, really, want that one. I have always wanted to run a sub-19 seconds. But I think it will be a bit hard because have l missed some training, but you never know."
Bolt's preparations were disrupted by the injury he suffered at the Jamaican Olympic trials, but he has since proved his fitness by cruising to victory at the Annivesary Games in London at the end of July.
Bolt's main threat in the 100m and 200m is likely to Justin Gatlin, although like the US athlete, Bolt seems keen keen to play down their rivalry.
"I never pick out one person," he said. "It's always about those eight people beside me on the day."
Bolt will first take to the track at Rio 2016 on Saturday (13 August) for 100m heats.
Justin Gatlin vows not to get ‘sucked into the hype’ against Usain Bolt at Rio 2016
Buy tickets for the Rio 2016 Games
More on Bolt
The main man has landed: Bolt touches down in Rio
Bolt settles into Olympic Village life
Campaign launched to bring Bolt to Bar do David
