Bolt eyes golden sprint double

World record-holder Usain Bolt wants to emulate Carl Lewis and win both the 100ms and his favoured 200m at the Olympics.

Bolt has been in sensational form this summer, setting a new 100m world record at 9.72seconds in May and then running the fastest 200m of the year in July.

Coach Glen Mills confirmed at the weekend that Bolt would run both events in Beijing, as well as teaming up with Asafa Powell in the 4x100m relay.

Although Bolt today said he was not aware Mills had yet made a final decision, the 21-year-old Jamaican made it clear he is ready to double up.

Bolt said: “I was 80% certain that I would do the double – but after hearing what my coach has been saying, now I am 100% certain!

“I have been conditioning myself all year in case I plan to run the double. I have been doing 200m and 100m over the season. I am used to the heats. I don’t think it will take too much out of me.

“I am going out there to win the double.”

As if to confirm the news, Puma then presented Bolt with a special pair of golden spikes inscribed with ’Beijing 100m’.

Lewis was the last man to win 100m and 200m gold at the same Olympics, at Los Angeles in 1984. Bolt would need to run down some serious competition if he is to repeat the feat.

Bolt’s fellow Jamaican Asafa Powell, the previous world record holder, and world champion Tyson Gay complete a sensational sprint trio who will all be vying for 100m Olympic gold.

“There are definitely more opponents. I have Asafa Powell right beside me, who is the second fastest man in the world,” said Bolt.

“Tyson Gay is world champion and he is running fast. It just depends who has the perfect race.

“In the 200m, you have got Walter Dix and a lot of runners, so you know you need to be on top of your game.”

If Bolt succeeds he will become the ninth athlete to complete the Olympic sprint double.

Bolt, a schoolboy cricketer, only took up the 100m because he was not ready for the physical demands of training for the 400m.

“I am not lazy – but I used to be,” he said with a smile.

Bolt won silver over 200m at the world championships and, despite his new 100m world record, it remains his favoured event.

There is no question that Bolt would swap the world record for an Olympic gold, but would he be happy winning the 100m and not the 200m?

Bolt said: “Partially. Olympic gold is always good and I am doing well in both - but the 200m is closer to my heart.”

Bolt surprised himself in setting the new world record – “I just wanted a good performance” – and believes he is still four years away from his best.

“I might not be at my peak until 2012,” he said.