Usain Bolt returns to the scene of his first Olympic triumph in confident mood ahead of a heavyweight showdown with Justin Gatlin.
The Jamaican goes head to head with the two-time drug cheat over 100 metres at the World Championships in Beijing this weekend, looking to spare the beleaguered sport yet more unwanted headlines.
The defending champion, billed as the saviour of athletics in the face of repeated doping scandals, announced himself as a global superstar with his world record-breaking exploits at the Bird’s Nest stadium in the Chinese capital seven years ago.
“For me coming here was really exciting,” he said.
“Even from the flight here I was pretty excited. It was just a joy to be here and the competition was great. It was all nice memories, so I’m so happy to be back here.”
The six-time Olympic champion, who will also go up against Gatlin over 200m, trails his American rival in the world rankings, but dispelled any fears about his fitness by twice running 9.87 seconds in London last month.
Gatlin leads the world list with 9.74secs, but Bolt has faith his hard training and ability to thrive on the big stage will tell when it matters.
“I am feeling good,” he said. “I always wish I could have got more races in before the championships, but it’s one of those things.
“I’ve been training well, my coach is happy. That’s key thing – if my coach (Glen Mills) is happy I know I’m in good nick. I’m ready to go.”
TALE OF THE TAPE: BOLT V GATLIN
Usain Bolt’s sprint showdown with Justin Gatlin is the most hotly-anticipated contest of the upcoming World Championships in Beijing.
Here, we take a look at how they match up.
Usain Bolt
Age: 28
Nationality: Jamaican
Height: 6 ft 5 in
Olympic titles: 6
World titles: 8
Personal bests: 100m 9.58 (WR), 200m 19.19 (WR)
Season’s bests: 100m 9.87, 200m 20.13
Drug bans: 0
Justin Gatlin
Age: 33
Nationality: American
Height: 6 ft 1 in
Olympic titles: 1
World titles: 4 (including two indoors)
Personal bests: 100m 9.74, 200m 19.57
Season’s bests: 100m 9.74, 200m 19.57
Drug bans: 2