IAAF could alter timetable for Bolt quest

NEW YORK, United States (CMC):

Track and field's world governing body, the IAAF, say they are willing to consider altering the athletics schedule at the London Olympics to enable sprint phenomenon Usain Bolt to chase three individual gold medals.

Bolt, who captured the 100 metres and 200 metres in Beijing last year, has already hinted at attempting the 400 metres to add to his Olympic treasure trove.

That feat has never been achieved by an athlete, given the hectic timetable between the 200m and 400m ,but IAAF spokesman Nick Davies said recently consideration would be given to rearranging the schedule to accommodate Bolt's ambitions.

"To win all three sounds incredible," Davies was quoted as saying in the Courier-Mail.

More interesting

"If Usain continues to do amazing things, is super motivated, we'd be insane not to consider it.

"He might not like the 400m and he reiterated when in Manchester that he does want to defend his Olympic 100m and 200m titles.

"But it's more interesting for Bolt because everyone thought he would develop as a 400m runner."

The IAAF officials are expected to stage their first meeting to consider the programme schedule for the London Games this October at which the topic could be discussed.

The 22-year-old Jamaican's first assignment, however, is to repeat as sprint champion at the World Championships in Berlin in August.

Strong consideration

"If (Bolt) wins the 100m and 200m in Berlin I think it would be strongly considered and (London Organising Committee chairman) Sebastien Coe is an athletics guy and he would be over the moon to have that."