London, Aug 4(ANI): Olympic legend Carl Lewis has cranked up pressure on reigning Olympic champion Usain Bolt, claiming that his brilliance over the past four years counts for nothing at the ongoing London Games, and the Jamaican would have to do it all over again.
The world's fastest human is desperate to retain his 100m title to confirm his place in the pantheon of legends, but Lewis warned him that he needs to improve his game to achieve greatness.
"However good Bolt is, everyone has got to come to London and do it. It is history that defines legends. You don't mail out Olympic medals based on reputations and past times. You actually have to perform," The Daily Mirror quoted Lewis, as saying.
"My coach had to always keep me reeled in, saying 'you don't win the race today, you have to win the race the day you run it'. Fortunately I was able to do that. I never really assumed anything. So let's wait and see who steps up when it really matters," he added.
Doubts linger over Bolt's fitness after training partner Yohan Blake trounced him in the Jamaican Olympic Trials.
Lewis is convinced that across the 100, 200, 400, men and women sprints America will trump Jamaica.
"The 100 metres is always wide open. It's very rare that it's anyone's to lose. People can say Bolt is going to win but nothing is certain in this discipline. There are so many factors. Injuries, weather, false starts," Lewis said.
"A year ago no one had even heard of Blake. He's now world champion and the fastest in the world this year," he added. (ANI)
|
Comments: