• London Olympics 2012

Bolt fears London rain will scupper world record bid

Usain Bolt will have a rival in Yohan Blake at London 2012 © PA Photos

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Usain Bolt's coach says the sprinter has expressed fears that London's weather will prevent him from setting a new world record at this summer's Olympic Games, and he has tipped Yohan Blake to compete strongly with Bolt later this year.

Bolt currently holds the world's fastest 100m time of 9.58 seconds, run in Berlin three years ago. However, he has always claimed that 9.4s is achievable.

When the Jamaican arrives for London 2012 he will be under enormous pressure not only to defend his Olympic title at 100m, 200m and in the sprint relay, but also to set new world records. That could prove difficult, according to coach Glen Mills, who points to a potentially slippy London track.

"I don't think it [9.4s] is impossible," Mills said in the Daily Telegraph. "Usain has set his sights on achieving greater heights. He is quite aware that his work is not done yet.

"But he'd have to have the right conditions and I'm not sure London is going to be kind."

Mills has more than one athlete aiming for 100m glory this year, with Blake the reigning world champion capable of a personal best 9.82s. When it comes to London 2012, Mills does not expect a one-man show.

"I think he (Blake) has now developed to the point where he is ready to compete at the Olympic level at both events (100m and 200m)," Mills said.

Bolt, it is felt, could add the 4x400m Olympic medal to his collection if he entered for the event in London, but Mills explained that such a decision would likely end up stopping the sprinter from retaining his sprint titles.

"[Bolt] would love to run the 4x400m in London because he runs great relay legs," Mills said. "Running it would compromise the sprint relay and his 200m."

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