Bolt takes blame for false start

Usain Bolt has accepted the blame for his false start in the 100 metres final at the World Championships, but claims that champion Yohan Blake also moved in his blocks.

Usain Bolt has accepted the blame for his false start in the 100 metres final at the World Championships, but claims that champion Yohan Blake also moved in his blocks.

Television replays indicated that Blake’s left leg moved before Bolt false-started and was disqualified, leaving his training partner Blake to lift the title.

“It was my fault, I can’t blame anybody else,” Bolt said today after cruising into tomorrow’s final of the 200m in Daegu. “I went home, ran a few things through my head and pretty much said I’ve got to move on from this, with the 200 to go I can’t stress about this.

“The first night I just ran things through my head, trying to figure out where I went wrong, but otherwise I’ve just been sitting, talking to my friends and laughing.

“I’m not going to blame anybody for anything. He (Blake) moved a little bit but it was up to me to stay in my blocks. My coach has always explained that people will move sometimes but you can’t be focused on one person, you’ve got to be focused on yourself and try and execute.

“Yes he may have moved but I am happy for him because he’s my training partner and he did well and he deserved it because he’s a hard worker.”

Bolt’s disqualification re-opened the debate on the false start rule which was changed in 2010, meaning athletes have no room for error.

But the triple Olympic champion added: “It’s tempting to stay in the blocks for as long as possible but I’m going to try not to.

“I’m going to try and listen for the gun and try to be focused and try to get out because the 200m has room for mistakes, but I don’t like making mistakes.”

Bolt has also vowed to remain his sport’s greatest showman despite criticism in some quarters that his antics before the race showed a costly lack of focus.

The 25-year-old Jamaican was his usual relaxed self before and after cruising into the final of the 200m, mouthing “Number one baby” to the crowd and throwing his shoes into the stands after winning his semi-final with ease in 20.31 seconds.

Bolt had not spoken to reporters after his disqualification and only issued a brief statement on Monday, but tonight was happy to speak to as many as possible.

Asked if he had got over the disappointment of losing his 100m title, Bolt replied: “Does it look like it?”

He added: “Listen, for me it’s all business. It’s a job. You win some, you lose some. I’m over that now. You’re not going to win everything. I made a mistake. I’ve got to move on past that.

“I’m always feeling tired for some reason but I’ll go and get a good night’s rest and tomorrow I should feel great, so I’m happy. Its all about the win right now. I’m not focused on anything else but the win.”

Asked about his antics before each race, Bolt added: “I can’t please anybody. If I don’t do much people will say I was so serious at the start line of the 100m.

“I think everybody is doing what I’ve been doing all season and trying to enjoy themselves at the start. It comes naturally to me and I’m not going to change because a few people have a problem. The Korean fans love it and I do it all for the fans.”

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