Warren Weir set to challenge Usain Bolt over 200m
Usain Bolt better look over his shoulder as his training partner Warren Weir shapes up to be his most serious threat over the 200 metres.
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A year ago in the final of the Olympic 200 metres, Warren Weir finished third behind Usain Bolt and Yohan Blake.
It was very much the natural place for the junior member of the troika who train together in Jamaica at the Racers Track Club in Kingston.
Even in the glow of his success, Bolt acknowledged the role of Blake and Weir.
“For me to be here with these guys is great,” the Olympic champion said, while turning to his training partners at a press conference after his victory. “We push each other hard and to the limit. Yohan Blake gave me a wake-up call at the [Jamaican] trials, so I give thanks for that. For Warren, he works hard and it’s his first Olympics, so to get a bronze medal is great and he’s a great athlete.”
The love was utterly mutual. Weir praised Bolt for his advice and encouragement.
And a year later he looks the most likely to challenge his compatriot over 200 metres.
Weir, 23, won the 200 metres at the Anniversary Games in London in 19.89 seconds ahead of his fellow Jamaican Jason Young.
Bolt, who is the defending world champion over 200 metres, will start as favourite. But Weir's pace will create the interest for the race.
A bronze medal came his way at his first Olympic Games last year. With Blake out through injury, it wouldn't be a surprise if he equalled or surpassed that colour.
"I am pretty pleased with 19.89sec," he said after the Anniversary Games. "I am confident going into the world champs that I can run my race and win."
Bolt will obviously have something to say about that. But the apprenticee may be poised to usurp the master.
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