Anthony Foster, Gleaner Writer

Bolt ... ready to tackle the 400m world record in 2010. - File

OLYMPIC GAMES triple gold medallist, Usain Bolt will, in two seasons, attempt a third individual world record, his coach Glen Mills said recently.

Since Bolt's breathtaking performances in Beijing, winning the 100m (9.69) and 200m (19.30) in world record time, several experts have called on him to challenge the 400m mark next season.

However, Bolt and his coach, Mills, disclosed at separate forums that they would take it on in 2010.

"My coach and I discussed it and we will take up the 400m in 2010," Bolt, who also helped Jamaica to the Olympic 4x100 title in a world record 37.10, told journalists in Monte Carlo, Monaco, last week.

Attempting record

On Thursday, Mills, speaking on KLASS Sports Desk programme, said not only will Bolt take up the quarter-mile, but Michael Johnson's world record of 43.18 would be the target.

"What I am working on and talking to him about is for him to, in the year 2010, God willing, make an attempt at the world record," Mills said.

Best at three sprints

In September, world-renowned 400m coach Clyde Hart, who conditioned American great Johnson and new United States star Jeremy Wariner - two of the greatest quarter-milers ever, said Bolt is capable of running 42 seconds.

"Yes, I think certainly if he (Bolt) had the right programme, with his speed, he could run under 43 seconds, but whether he would ever do that is a whole different ball game," Hart was quoted as saying on the Spikes - the New Heroes of Athletics website.

Johnson himself believes Bolt has a chance to be the best at all three sprints.

"Good luck to Usain when he comes up to the 400m," said Johnson, even before he heard that Bolt would attempt the 400m. "He has to (run) the 400m now, because the pressure is on him."

Tommie Smith, a former world 200m record holder, who like Johnson expressed their views at the World Athletics Gala last Sunday, said: "He has to run the quarter to appreciate the 200m".

Devised a programme

But, Mills said, based on the programme devised, Bolt can run very fast without taking it to the 400m.

"Yes, he probably would run a fastest 200m, but we have devised a programme that would get him to run great without pursuing the 400m," he said.

In an interview with The Gleaner shortly after the Olympics, Mills also expressed his views about Bolt and the one-lap event.

"I always felt, and I still feel, that he is also equally effective at the 400m. He is an athlete with a tremendous range," he said.

Bolt, in his junior days, dominated the region in the 200m and 400m events, winning four medals at the CARIFTA Games in 2004. He has a personal best of 45.28 in the 400m.

Mills .... we have devised a programme that will get him to run great ...' - File