Bolt costs bookies millions and now backed to double up in 200m

Usain Bolt has now shortened into 1/5 to win the Men’s 200m at the Olympics after costing bookies a small fortune with his fairly comfortable victory in the 100m final.

Heading into London, doubts were expressed over Bolt’s fitness, particularly after he was beaten in the Jamaican trials over both sprint distances by Yohan Blake.

However, Bolt’s own analysis that he was only 95 per cent fit seemed to be a clever use of mind games after he cantered through his 100m semi final and he then blasted clear in the final to set a new Olympic record, even with a slow start.

The result cost Ladbrokes over £500,000 and they will now be fearful of Bolt doubling up in the 200m.

Bolt’s time of 9.63secs in the 100m shows that he is not far short of his best form and despite his lacklustre performances at times this season, he certainly appears to bring his best to the major championships.

A new world record in the 200m may be a big ask as he was flat out when setting his current mark of 19.19secs, but getting close to his Olympic best of 19.30secs is a possibility.

The big doubt for Bolt is that his lead over the chasing pack is arguably less in the 200m.

In the 100m, he knew that if he ran under 9.70secs, then he was virtually assured the gold.

For the 200m, his cushion is not as big, particularly over training partner and fellow Jamaican Blake, who is clearly in form and has previously run 19.26secs over 200m.

Meanwhile, Bolt’s acceptance that he does not train as hard as Blake could be a factor, with the 200m being more of an endurance event.

Blake is 7/2 to win the 200m and should not be written off.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.