Seville ready to run after niggles kept him quiet

Paris, France:

WITH LITTLE niggles now behind him, Oblique Seville says he is confident about what he can do in the men’s 100 metres today.

Seville cruised to victory in 9.99 seconds inside the Stade de France at the Paris Olympics yesterday to qualify for the semifinals this afternoon, marking the fifth time that he has gone sub-10 this season.

Seville had not raced since the national trials when he secured his spot for his second Olympic Games. The former Calabar sprinter had picked up a small problem which prevented him from going on the circuit this season. However, he is pleased with his race readiness after yesterday’s performance on the track.

“I am feeling pretty good knowing that my last performance was at the national trials. It’s good to be back running nine seconds. My confidence is really high right now,” Seville said.

That confidence, in his eyes, came from how comfortable he was, as he eased down the track to take victory.

“My execution was good because I kept my composure and pulled through. I’m feeling pretty confident because I ran a decent round,” Seville said.

While Seville’s start was a little bit of a concern, he said that he aims to get it right.

“I don’t know what to say about my start but I have to get it together in the semifinals. I know for sure I will get it,” Seville said.

He joined his teammates Ackeem Blake and national champion and world leader Kishane Thompson in this afternoon’s semifinal which starts at 1:05 p.m.

Thompson continues to be an enigma to the media, choosing not to do interviews after his heat.

Seville will have to contend with reigning world champion Noah Lyles, who struggled a little in his heat, on the path to the final as they are both drawn in the same semi.

Lyles said he underestimated his field and had to work hard to finish second in 10.04, something he promises will be a one-time error.

“I was more expecting that they would just fall in line but they took it as a chance as, I got one shot and I am going to take it. And to be honest, I should have expected it. I know that this is the Olympics. I didn’t. That’s on me but I won’t let that happen again,” Lyles said.