Every year, the traditional Strawberry Party takes place in the City Hall at the eve of the Bislett Games. Every year, press conferences are held with the stars of the meet. This year, the focus was on just one participant \u2013 Usain Bolt (seen right with the Mayor of Oslo, Fabian Stang).<\/p>\n
The dramaturgy of the event provided that the World\u2019s fastest man was the third to talk to the media. First, former World record holder, Olympic and World Champion Donovan Bailey (CAN) talked about \u201chow fantastic it is to be here\u201d and remembered his own 200m race in Oslo. \u201cIn 1997, I won in 20.14, but I always hated this distance, there is a long way to go\u2026Tomorrow, Usain is going to win. That\u2019s my prediction.\u201d<\/p>\n
After Bailey, Norway\u2019s Jaysuma Saidy Ndure, with 20.26 seconds the fastest European over 200m this year, talked about his recovery after the race in Eugene, and about his expectations for tomorrow. \u201cI\u2019d like to run in lane 4, just behind Usain Bolt\u201d, he said. \u201cMy goal? Sub 20.\u201d<\/p>\n
And then, finally, it was the moment of the superstar of the meet. Usain Bolt, in casual clothes and informal as always, talked about\u2026<\/p>\n
\u2026 his first impressions of Norway: \u201cIt\u2019s the first time that I\u2019m here, and the people on the street are very nice. Unfortunately, the weather is not that good.\u201d
\u2026 his training on Thursday: \u201cI ran faster than my coach said to do. That\u2019s a good sign, and the track seems fast!\u201d
\u2026 his relationship with the 200m: \u201cIt\u2019s my favourite event.\u201d
\u2026 his first 200m competition after more than one year: \u201cI don\u2019t know. I will do my best and will try really hard.\u201d
\u2026 which running lane he would prefer: \u201cDoesn\u2019t matter.\u201d
\u2026 the time he wants to run: \u201cI don\u2019t know. I want to be first at the finish. Let\u2019s see in which time.\u201d
\u2026 the fast times of opponents during the last days: \u201cThat means that I have to get in shape as good as possible. After Oslo, I will go home and train really hard.\u201d
\u2026 100m times around 9.9 which is not his best level: \u201cThese times don\u2019t bother me. I know that I have to put together physical form and technique for getting better. I\u2019m focused on the World Championships.\u201d
\u2026 the World Championship Trials in Jamaica: \u201cIt is still not decided if I will participate or not. As reigning World Champion, I have a Wild Card in both 100m and 200m events.
\u2026 the Greatest ever in Track and Field: \u201cIt\u2019s impossible to mention just one. There were so many people who contributed in developing this sport.\u201d<\/p>\n
Some one-to-one interviews, some more pictures, and Usain Bolt disappeared. No strawberries for him today, no looking around in one of the most beautiful and famous buildings of the World. Bolt\u2019s focus lies on tomorrow\u2019s race. And on the upcoming World Championships.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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