Christian Coleman looking to emulate Usain Bolt at Paris Olympics

Christian Coleman looking to emulate Usain Bolt at Paris Olympics

Festus Chuma 21:31 - 11.05.2024

Reigning World Indoor 60m champion Christian Coleman discusses his preparations and confidence heading into the Paris Olympic Games.

Reigning World Indoor 60 meters champion Christian Coleman has set his sights on a historic 100m and 200m sprint double at the Paris Olympic Games. 

The American sprinter announced his ambitions during a press conference at the Jamaica Athletics Invitational, hosted at The Jamaica Pegasus Hotel yesterday.

Jamaican sprint legend Usain Bolt is the last human to win an Olympic double in the 100m and 200m during the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics.

Coleman, who has been in stellar form throughout the 2024 season recently clinched the world indoor 60m title in 6.41 seconds.

"It will take something incredible to achieve the sprint double, but I feel I am just as capable as anybody," he said as quoted by Jamaica Gleaner.

Coleman emphasized the importance of qualifying for the U.S. team, given the depth of competition in American athletics.

"There are a lot of good competitors and a lot of good athletes in the USA, so it’s going to take something incredible to be able to make that team, but I feel I am just as capable as anybody,” he added.

"The first step is just giving yourself the chance to even have that opportunity and just making the team. So, all my energy and focus are heading in that direction. I feel confident about making those finals at the Olympic Trials and just being ready for those moments."

Preparation is key to Coleman’s strategy for Paris and he emphasized the importance of staying focused mentally and physically in the months leading up to the Games. 

"I’ve been with my coach, and this is our tenth season together," Coleman said. 

"I graduated high school in 2014, and that is when I immediately got with him. He obviously has my best interest at heart, and I know he is going to have me ready and have me prepared."

Coleman’s next test will be the Jamaica Athletics Invitational scheduled for Saturday at the National Stadium.

"The Olympics only come around every four years, and that’s what the sport is about," he noted. 

"The focus for me is just doing what I know is going to improve myself mentally and physically. It’s about not getting too far ahead of myself or focusing on the bigger picture too much. I just need to take it day by day and be patient with myself and let it come to me."

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