ago.16.2008

BEIJING, China –
World record holder Usain Bolt and his fellow Jamaican countryman Asafa Powell won their semi-finals of the men’s 100-metres in the Beijing Bird Nest Stadium Saturday night.
In fact, the two lead six Caribbean contenders for the title in the finals, with only Americans Walter Dix and Darvis Patton getting through to the title race. Their fellow countryman and world champion Tyson Gay did not make the finals after finishing fifth in his semis.

 

Bolt clocked another cruising 9.85 seconds to beat Dix (9.95) and Trinidadian Marc Burns, who came home in 9.97. Another Jamaican Michael Frater ran a work man like 10.01 to win the final slot from the heat.The 21-year-old rush through the opening half of the race before shutting down in the last 20m — proving that Donavon Bailey’s 9.84 Olympic record is seriously under threat.

Meanwhile, Powell also looked impressive when winning the second semi-finals in 9.91 seconds, Gay did not make the finals after finishing fifth in 10.05.

T&T's  Richard Thompson  finished second to Powell in 9.93 and Churandy Martina, 9.94. Patton edged out Gay when he ran 10.03 fourth.
It is the first time in Olympic history that two Trinidadians will contest the Blue Riband event.
Based on his performance so far Usian Bolt will be hard to beat but TTOC officials are confident that Burns and Thompson can get among the medals.
"Bolt looks awesome and unbeatable but I am confident that Marc and Richard can get on the podium.I know Powell is also a favourite but he struggles on the big stage"said TTOC president Larry Romany