Bolt to give it all at Rio’s sprint event

Olympic gold medalist Usain Bolt runs with Antigua and Barbados sprinter Daniel Bailey during a training session of the "Mano a Mano" challenge at Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Bolt will compete on a track specially built at the famous beach, challenging Bailey, Alex Quinones, and a Brazilian athlete from a local qualifier on Sunday. Photo: AP

Jamaican sprint star Usain Bolt has vowed to push himself to the limit during Sunday’s 150m exhibition event on Rio de Janeiro’s Copabacana Beach.

The 26-year-old surprised passers-by on Friday when he trained on the famed stretch of sand and conversed with local fans, reports Xinhua.

“I don’t run 150m often but I am going to give my all,” Bolt said of the race, which will be staged on a temporary track that has been custom-built on the beach.

“I hope everything goes well and that I am able to perform as planned. It’s all about keeping my focus and staying calm.”

Bolt’s opponents include Ecuador’s Alex Quinonez and Antigua’s Daniel Bailey. The latter was called up at the last notice to replace Wallace Spearmon, who was reportedly forced to withdraw due to personal problems.

Saturday’s heats featuring Brazilian-only athletes will determine the last place in Sunday’s final.

Bolt, who has won six Olympic gold medals, holds the 150m world record with a mark of 14.36 seconds achieved in Manchester in 2009.