Usain Bolt in 'right frame of mind' for 2015 success

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  • Usain Bolt is hoping to make his mark in 2015 after a disappointing season last year.

    Six-time Olympic champion sprinter Usain Bolt is convinced he is in the right frame of mind to reassert his greatness in the upcoming season after a lacklustre 2014 campaign.

    Persistent foot and hamstring complaints saw the 28-year-old bring a premature end to his campaign last August, though he was still able to set the indoor 100m world record in 9.98 seconds and claim gold for Jamaica during the 4×100 metre relay at the Commonwealth Games.

    Speaking at a packed media event above New York’s bustling Times Square to unveil PUMA’s IGNITE running shoe, Bolt declared he was in a good place to rise back to his usual stratospheric standards.

    “My training has been great. My coach has really been pushing me this season,” he told reporters.

    “Last season wasn’t so great, so now I have to step up the energy and really work hard. I’m happy with my progress and my coach is happy with my progress.

    “I am just working hard.”

    Bolt has emerged as the most iconic athlete of the 21st century on the back of his domination of sprinting events. The moniker of ‘The World’s Fastest Man’ has held firm after winning the 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay races at successive Olympics since 2008, gaining a further eight gold medals at World Championships as well as smashing the 100m and 200m world records.

    Despite his historic success, Bolt insisted the hunger within him remained strong.

    He said: “For me, it has been amazing. There have been ups and downs – in all sports you can get injured.

    “I’ve always stayed strong and stayed positive. You just continue working hard and striving for the best.”

    Bolt was in New York to promote sponsors PUMA’s IGNITE shoe, which features innovative foam technology to support runners of all abilities and distances.

    “Training every day is pretty tough,” he said. “I start out with a running shoe to warm up before going into a spike, and I need a shoe that is comfortable and keeps my energy up. I love IGNITE for that, and can feel it make a real difference.

    “It’s a pretty good looking shoe as well.”

    PUMA IGNITE will be available in men’s and women’s styles from March. 

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