De Grasse eager to challenge Usain Bolt's supremacy

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London, July 31: Jamaican legend Usain Bolt is determined to bid a golden farewell to his lustrous track career at the World Athletics Championships in London. But Canadian Andre de Grasse is eager to gatecrash the Jamaican's party.

The 22-year-old - who signed the most lucrative contract offered to a track and field athlete in 2015 for a reported £7.5million with an extra £20m in potential bonuses - is looking to improve on his Olympic bronze in the 100m and silver in the 200m last year.

"To replace the greatest in Usain Bolt, I knew what I was getting into," De Grasse told the Daily Mail. "I did have a bit of hesitation. Everyone can be nervous. I was thinking: 'Can I handle this and take on the pressure?' I knew it would provide for myself and my family. I can't have fears or hold back, I want to relish it," said De Grasse.

With Bolt opting not to run the 200m in London, De Grasse's chance to deny the charismatic Jamaican a 12th world gold medal comes in the 100m, provided he reaches Saturday's (August 4) final.

De Grasse, who only took up athletics aged 17 after trying his hand at basketball, says he needs to beat Bolt before he can be described a rival. "It's not a rivalry," he said.

"He has dominated for so long. I've still not beaten him - but I'd love to. To have a rivalry you have to have a back and forth. He is on his way out and a veteran. I'm trying to prove myself."

OneIndia News