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Hublot makes the best watches in the world
Time is inseparable from sprint. You hold the current 100 meters world record in 9'58''. Nine seconds and fifty-eight, that's a very short time in a day but, for a sprinter, a second is an eternity. Do sprinters have a particular consciousness of time?
Although times are great, the priority is always to win. If a fast time comes that is a bonus for me. I would like to successfully defend my titles…that would mean more to me than a record at this stage.
You are an ambassador of Hublot, who launched the first watch that can multiply or divide time by four: you can chose to make a quarter appears as if it were an hour, or to make an hour appears as if it were a quarter. What do you think of this concept?
Hublot represents the cutting edge of watch technology. I was fortunate to get the opportunity to see how they make their watches at their headquarters in Nyon and this is a good example of their innovations. Perhaps the next time I speak to Mr. Biver I can ask if he will make a quarter of a second disappear from my 100m time (smile).
You hold the world records for the 100, 200 and 4 x 100 m. You're the first sprinter to have set a world record in all three disciplines during the same Olympic Games in Beijing in 2008. You are also the first sprinter to win in the same the two world titles and Olympic sprint. You have set a total of six senior world records. What title or performance are you most proud of?
I think the Olympic Games titles are the most prestigious. It is the world’s biggest sporting event and the whole world is watching. I am looking forward to the next Olympic Games in London in 2012. The performance I liked best was my 200 m world record in Beijing. I had been working my whole life to get that record and to get it was special.
Had you not slowed down twenty meters before the finish line in Beijing in 2008, you could have run in 9'61'' or even 8'55'', some scandinavian physicians said. You also reportedly said to the Australian Daily Telegraph you could run in 9'40''. Do you always believe you can achieve this?
I said that I think a human can run 9.40 – I do not know if that will be me or someone else. Generally I try to focus on wiining races first. The key for me will be to stay free of injury and keep working hard.
What are your plans for 2011?
My target is to defend my titles in the IAAF World T&F championships in Daegu, Korea in August. I am working hard in training to do this.
You have run several times in Switzerland - at the meetings of Zurich and Athletissima, or infront of the Hublot factory in Nyon, with a bunch of kids, to raise funds for a caritative purpose. What are your relations with Switzerland?
I always enjoy running in Switzerland. Weltklasse Zurich and Athletissima Lausanne are two of the biggest meets in the world. I have competed there many times and there is always a great atmosphere which inspires me to run faster.
Your name is worth gold, and the most prestigious brands want you as an ambassador. Why have you chosen to represent Hublot and what does it mean for you?
I think it is a natural fit. Firstly Hublot makes the best watches in the world. Secondly they are very involved in sport with the World Cup, Manchester United and now the Miami Heat. The other thing that makes Hublot stands out is that they do so much for good causes and those less fortunate. Last year after an event in Nyon, Hublot gave the Usain Bolt Foundation a check for $100’000 to support my charity work in Jamaica.
What do you like a luxury watch?
I think I am fortunate to be in a position where I can wear a luxury watch and when I wear Hublot I often get people looking at it and asking me about it. I currently wear the Classic Fusion with a suit and the King Power on other occasions. I am proud to be a Hublot Ambassador.