Bolt: Coleman's WR 60m no surprise

Jamaica's sprint star, Usain Bolt is not surprised that Christian Coleman broke the 60-metre world record last weekend at the Clemson Invitational track and field meet in South Carolina, USA, but he will be keeping a close watch on the American's last 40m during the upcoming outdoor season.

Coleman, 21, ran 6.37 seconds to erase his countryman Maurice Greene's old mark of 6.39. Greene first recorded the time in 1999 before equalling it two years later.

"It's not really a surprise. He is one of the younger youths who is very quick over 60 metres. I am not really in any shock or in awe. The fact that he did it this young, maybe a little bit, but I kind of expected it," Bolt told The Gleaner yesterday.

Bolt, who owns the world records in the 100 and 200 metres, said that he hopes the former University of Tennessee athlete's increased speed over the first 60m will mean that he will also run faster over 100m.

"It's all about what his coach does. I remember saying to him after the World Championships 'you are very good at the start and a lot of people tend to continue trying to improve their starts, and I think personally, you should focus on the last 40m.' So hopefully, his coach can see that because that is where [last 40m] a lot of athletes tend to falter," Bolt recalled.

After leading the first part of 100m final at the World Athletic Championships in London last year, Coleman faded to surrender the title to fellow American Justin Gatlin. Two months before Coleman also finished second to Gatlin at the US Trials.

"I will be looking to see his last 40m this outdoor season because everybody knows that his first 60m is very good," Bolt said.

Bolt was third behind Gatlin and Coleman in the 100m at last year's London World Championships.