Usain Bolt said he is more interested in the women’s sprints and picked his former Jamaican teammate Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce to win gold at this summer’s Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. The women’s 100m first round is 30 July and the final 31 July.
“The women’s finals will be without a doubt more interesting,” Bolt told The Guardian in an interview.
“That’s what I’m looking forward to the most. The women have really stepped up, and they’ve led the way for a few years now.”
Bolt spoke about Dina Asher-Smith‘s stride pattern and the improvement she has shown in recent years.
“Dina has already proven herself to be one of top athletes in the world,” continued Bolt. “But she keeps pushing to be the best and to beat the best. You see, she puts in the work. She has the dedication. If a conversation is happening about who is going to win Olympic gold, she’s a part of it.”
Bolt made his pick for 100m gold.
“Shelly‑Ann Fraser-Pryce has the edge because of her experience, as long as she just doesn’t put too much pressure on herself. But Dina is her closest challenger.”
Jamaicans Fraser-Pryce, Elaine Thompson-Herah, who is the Rio 2016 sprint double champion, and Shericka Jackson, along with world 200m champion Asher-Smith are the front runners in the 100m. Bahamian Shaunae Miller-Uibo and American Gabby Thomas will join them all for the super 200m contest.
Sha’Carri Richardson, who was one of the big favourites, is serving a one-month ban after testing positive for cannabis at the US Olympic Trials.
The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games will be the first in almost two decades with Bolt, who has transformed the sport of track and field. He won the 100m and 200m titles at three consecutive games, Beijing 2008, London 2012 and Rio 2016.
Overall he won eight Olympic Games titles.
