Usain Bolt says he is clean. Answers Carl Lewis's criticisms

In a Reuter's telephone interview Usain Bolt says he is clean.  And who can argue with him?

The now famous Jamaican sprinter is enjoying the fame that comes with being the world's fastest man.  In this interview, Bolt addresses Carl Lewis, and details his future plans. (The Guardian).

Usain Bolt, who shattered the world record each time to capture Olympic gold in the 100 metres, 200 and 4x100 relay, dismissed speculation his sudden rise to supremacy was aided by doping.

"I know I'm clean. I work hard for what I want," the Jamaican told Reuters in a telephone interview on Friday.

Carl Lewis expressed his doubts;  Bolt answers.

"I'm still working with the fact he dropped from 10-flat to 9.6 in one year," American Lewis was quoted as saying.  "I think there are some issues ... countries like Jamaica do not have a random (dope control) programme so they can go months without being tested."

Bolt felt such speculation came with the territory.  "I know what he said," said the Jamaican. "To me it doesn't really matter what he said, a lot of people were saying that.  "When you run the 100 metres that's what you get. As long as you're fast they start saying that.  "It's like a trend. I'm trying to change that. It's a bad image for the sport.  "Carl Lewis can say whatever he wants. That's just his opinion."

Bolt says training for the 200 helped his 100 race.

Bolt said his 100 breakthrough was earned by hard training. "The 200 is also sprinting, that was key," he said. "The only thing I had to do was get my start right and I got my start right. "That's why my last 50 metres are so good because I've got speed and endurance."

Bolt also answers the doubts about testing.

The 22-year-old also rejected Lewis's comments about the amount of testing he had to go through back home.  "For sure we get tested in the Caribbean," he said. "They like to come to your house early in the morning."It's no  t cool getting up at six, seven in the morning when you're just trying to enjoy your sleep. But I know what it's for and it's fair. We get tested all the time.  "When you're in the top 20 in the world you get random tested. They get to know your whereabouts."

Bolt also discussed his future.

Bolt said he would continue to run the 100 and 200.  "In the future I'll probably step up to 400 metres," he said. "But it's a lot of work. I'm not ready for that kind of work."  Bolt also said he was looking forward to defending his titles at the 2012 Olympics.  "I'll be in London ... I hope it isn't cold," he said. "I'm looking forward to that.  "I can be champion again. I'll be 26 then. I have a lot of time on my hands. All I have to do is stay focused, train hard and be ready."

Thus, Usain Bolt answers his critics.  You have to like his straight-forward style, without dodging the issues.

Comments

[shay]

carl lewis is a hater he fail 3 drugs test in the 1988 who y is he talking right now.he hates jamaicans becuz he didnt want jamaicans to get scholarship to come to the us its a disgrace that carl lewis would say that.

[S.A.C.]

Why is it whenever another country takes a title from an American, they (americans) get so upbeet? Well Mr. Carl Lewis In Jamaica, the only thing we know is hard work and guess what, it becomes apart of us so we learn to mix a little fun with that hard work and it always pays off for us. Go Usain - you make us extremely proud and you only make us wanna go for more.

[Steroid Nation]

We don't think Carl Lewis or anyone is a 'hater' (which is now the epithet to call anyone who raises doubt). However, Lewis can be a loose canon.

[Interested]

I have one big problem with people like carl he only comes out of the woodwork when athletes from other nations are involved. I am sure that if roles were reversed and it was american athletes who dominated the sprints Carl lewis would have nothing to say outside of USA, USA and to commend the performance of the American athletes.

Its interesteing that there was a deafening silence when marion jones, Tim Montgomerie, and Justin Gatlin turned in great performances. No one dared or had the guts to question their performances.

Lewis himself shrugs off questions about his own failed drug tests and he then calls for the use of drugs to be made a criminal offence??????!!!!!!!!