• Athletics

Bolt vows to get back to business

ESPN staff
May 25, 2011
Usain Bolt: 'This season is back to business' © Getty Images
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Usain Bolt admits he is feeling the nerves as he bids to make his season debut in Rome on Thursday.

The triple world and Olympic champion struggled with injuries last season and was beaten by rival Tyson Gay in Stockholm, but the Jamaican has warned his rivals he is nearing his best and set to get "back to business".

Bolt, who has not raced since August last year, will face Gay and former world record holder Asafa Powell at the third Diamond League meeting of the season, and he admitted he was nervous after such a long spell away from competition.

"Last season wasn't my best season," Bolt said. "It was kind of a season of down time for me. So for me, this season is back to business. I'm really focused and ready now. I'm going out there to prove to the world that I'm still the best.

"For the first time I'm slightly nervous because I haven't run for so long but I've been doing good in training. Things are coming back slowly but surely. I'm just looking forward to going out there and competing -- just to feel better and to get through a race without any injuries."

Bolt, who arrived at the press conference sporting an Italy football shirt, insists he has no records, just medals on his mind.

"The records are not my aim," he said. "It's always the championships and the gold medals. I just want to show the world I'm back. I don't think I need to break records to show that. I just need to start winning and stay on top."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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