Former Jamaican Athelete Merlene Ottey Could Start for 4X100 At 50!

Former Jamaican sprinter Merlene Ottey could make history today as the oldest athlete to compete in the European Championships, which begin today. 50-year-old Merlene Ottey could be a historical sportswoman if she is picked to run in Slovenia’s 4x100-metre relay team.

Merlene Ottey took Slovenian citizenship in 2002, won a bronze medal in the 200m at the 1980 Olympics, the first of nine medals she collected at Olympic level.

But she never managed to win gold at the Games.

Usain Bolt Pulls Out of Shanghai Grand Prix

World Champion Usain Bolt of Jamaica has pulled out of a meet in China this month, citing fatigue and the risk of injury. Usain Bolt (world champion in the 100 and 200 meters) had been due to compete in the Shanghai Golden Grand Prix on Sept. 20.

"The season has been long and has been challenging with early challenges I faced," Bolt said Friday in a statement apologizing to Chinese fans.

Bolt had earlier pulled out of a Sept. 25 meet in South Korea.

News Courtesy: The Associated Press

Usain Bolt Debuts 2009 with a 400-Meter Win

Usain Bolt in Lane 5 (extreme left)

World 100 and 200 metres record holder and Olympic champion Usain Bolt running in lane 5, ran to victory in his first race of the season on Saturday, winning a 400 heat in 46.35 seconds at the outdoor Camperdown Classic in Jamaica.

"It was all right. I am not really in the best of shape, but I'm happy I got through it and looking forward to (the UWI Invitational) next week," he said.
Image Courtesy: Jamaicaobserver.com

IAAF Declares Usain Bolt and Yelena Isinbayeva World Athletes of the Year 2008

Usain Bolt and Yelena Isinbayeva Wins World Athletes of the Year 2008

Yelena Isinbayeva of Russia

Usain Bolt of Jamaica

The world's fastest man Usain Bolt and Russian pole vaulter Yelena Isinbayeva have been named World Athletes of the Year by The International Association of Athletics Federations.

The International Association of Athletics Federations said in a statment today the pair displayed unrivaled speed and agility, and the ability to perform with the poise and conviction of seasoned veterans.

"Each ended their respective seasons with virtually untarnished records, and left Beijing as dominating Olympic champions with feats that aren’t likely to be duplicated any time soon," the statement said.


"I knew it was going to be difficult over the past two seasons. I was very confident that I could break through the wall.” - Yelena Isinbayeva


“I have a motto that anything is possible. But this really is such an honour.” - Usain Bolt



News Courtesy: http://www.news.com.au/

Usain Bolt and Melanie Walker Named Jamaica Athletes of the Year

Glen Mills
Usain Bolt
Melanie Walker

Usain Bolt and Olympic women's 400m hurdles champion Melanie Walker were named Jamaica's male and female athletes of the year for 2008 on Tuesday (9th December, 2008).

"It is good to be recognised by the JAAA because they have done a lot of work by trying to develop the athletes and track and field in Jamaica overall," Bolt said. "I really appreciate it."

Bolt's coach Glen Mills was voted Coach of the Year.

Usain Bolt Times 9.72 Seconds In 100 Meters: Sets World Record

Jamaica's Usain Bolt beat his fellow countryman Asafa Powell by 0.02 second to set a new world record of 9.72 seconds at 100 meters at the Reebok Grand Prix meet on Randalls Island.

The 21 year old Bolt ran with a tailwind 1.7 meters per second (2 meters per second speed allowed for a recod to stand).

Tyson Gay was second with 9.85 seonds.