Bolt targets fast 200m in Oslo

OSLO, Norway (AP):

Usain Bolt says he is fully focused on the IAAF World Championships in Athletics as he prepares to run his first 200-metre race in 13 months, at a Diamond League event in Oslo today.

The Jamaican world-record holder said yesterday that it will feel strange to run the 200m but, having recovered from last season's injuries, is confident of running a fast race at the Bislett Games.

"It's going to be weird, but it should be good," said Bolt. "I'm definitely going out there to run hard and see what I need to improve more."

Bolt won the 100m at his first race of the year in a Diamond League event in Rome two weeks ago and is now aiming to take his recovery up another notch after missing part of last season with Achilles tendon and back problems.

"I'm just trying to get my form back together and get back to the old Usain Bolt," he said. "I'm just focused on one thing, and that's the World Championships."

Bolt was more diplomat than showman as he fielded questions at a reception at Oslo City Hall a day before the main event.

going for a fast time

"I've heard it's a great track and I'm looking forward to going out there and getting a fast time," he said. "But I need to get in shape as quickly as possible, because everyone's really putting their foot down."

Other Jamaicans competing at the meet are Vonette Dixon, Nickiesha Wilson, Novlene Williams-Mills, Dwight Thomas and Mario Forsythe.

Dixon will line up in the women's 100m hurdles, with Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Wilson facing the starter in the 400m hurdles. Williams-Mills will face Prefontaine winner Amantle Montsho in the women's 400m, with Thomas looking to continue making strides in the men's 110m hurdles. Meanwhile, Forsythe will join Bolt in the men's 200m.

South African middle-distance runner Caster Semenya is also competing as she seeks to move on from having to undergo a gender test following her victory in the 800m at the 2009 World Championships.

Forced to sit out a year, Semenya said it was tough to bounce back, but is now starting to rediscover her best form.

The 20-year-old Semenya said the episode had placed her under huge mental strain.

"It wasn't easy to come back after the IAAF ban, but this was the goal," Semenya said .

"In Oslo, I want to remain below 1:58, maybe 1:57, but everything happens in view of the World Championships in South Korea," she said. "At the Bislett Games, the time is very important, probably more important than first place."

Jamaicans in Oslo

Women's 100m H (Heats) - 11:45 a.m.

Vonette Dixon

Women's 100m H (Finals) - 1:35 p.m.

Women's 400m H - 1:05 p.m.

Nickiesha Wilson

Women's 400m - 1:12 p.m.

Novlene Williams-Mills

Men's 110m H - 1:55 p.m.

Dwight Thomas

Men's 200m - 2:47 p.m.

Usain Bolt

Mario Forsythe