SPANISH TOWN, Jamaica (AP) – Olympic star Usain Bolt ran his first 100-meter race of the year Saturday, finishing in 9.93 seconds and sharing first place at the GC Foster College Classic.

The Jamaican slowed before the finish, smiling and reaching out to congratulate training partner Daniel Bailey in the next lane as they crossed the line together.

“He is my teammate and he is getting better because normally he always crack at the end of the race,” Bolt said. “But he held it together this time, so that is why I was smiling.”

Both were helped by a slight wind. Yohan Blake, Jamaica’s national junior record holder, was third overall in 10.08 seconds.

This was Bolt’s first 100 since he won the Golden League meet at Brussels in September.

“It was a good run,” Bolt said. “I still have to work a little bit more on my race.”

He set the 100 world record of 9.69 in winning the gold medal at the Beijing Games. He also captured the gold and set a world record in the 200 and helped Jamaica win the 400 relay.

Bolt coach Glen Mills said the sprinter will make his international debut this season at the Jamaica International Invitational on May 2.

Bailey trains with Bolt in Jamaica and has represented Antigua and Barbuda in the last two Olympics.


Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.

Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.