New Delhi, Dec 13 (IANS)
Two-time Olympic gold medallist Donovan Bailey feels that Jamaican sprint sensation Usain Bolt is the only only sprinter on the planet who can break records and clock the lowest time.
The Jamaican-born Canadian sprinter, who won the 100m gold in 1996 Atlanta Games, said Bolt, who will be 30 by the 2016 Rio Games, still has the potential to improve.
Bolt successfully defended his 100m and 200m Olympic title in 2012 London Games and has six Olympic gold medals in his kitty.
"Bolt is someone I meet often, talk to and give advice to. He is a good kid, he is fast and the best. But he still has the potential to improve, his stance and his start could be better. With a height of 6.6 ft he is the only man on the planet who can break records and clock the lowest time," said Donovan, who is here as a brand ambassador of the Airtel Half Marathon at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
Asked how his country of birth Jamaica is producing top world class sprinters, Bailey said: "Jamaica is a very tiny country as compared to India. But in Jamaica we have a strong running culture. In India, the associations need to identify the talent pool and give them the right direction and nurture them."
About his own athletic career, Bailey picked the victories at the World Championships (1995, 1997) and the 1996 Atlanta Games.
"The World Championship and the Olympic gold medals, which I won while setting a world record are closest to my heart. I will always be an Olympic champion and the feeling is exhilarating. But, I think more than the gold medal and the records, what motivates me is, and I think it should to all athletes, is to run a perfect technical race," he said.
Bailey said that events like the Delhi Half Marathon are a perfect platform to generate interest towards athletics.
"India is a huge country, it's just about developing the running culture and with appropriate infrastructure and professional training, Indians can definitely produce Olympic winners," said Bailey.
Bailey, who arrived in a BMW motorcade, said it was a great feeling to see hundreds of people come out on the streets to cheer for him.
"I had the opportunity to compete in Pune in a couple of events in the 90s and it was a fantastic feeling to see hundreds of people who had come to support and cheer for me. India is an incredible country and the people here are very warm and the food is incredible," he said.