Sale Harrier Andrew Robertson reckons he had world record holder Usain Bolt running scared for the first 40 metres of their clash at the Sainsbury’s Anniversary Games.
The 2014 Commonwealth Games silver medallist ran one of the best races of his life, powered down the Olympic Stadium track by a partisan home crowd.
Bolt cruised to victory in the heat, but Robertson reckons the Jamaican was definitely under pressure for at least the first part of the race.
While Bolt went on to take the 100m crown in 9.87 seconds – the same time he recorded in his heat – Robertson came home in 10.23 to leave him grinning from ear to ear.
“I had the fastest man in history in my race and I think I gave him a scare in the first 40m, but once he opened his legs it was a different story,” said Robertson, speaking at the event which is a partnership with British Athletics that builds on Sainsbury’s support for the 2012 Paralympics and recognises that sport can unite and inspire children of all ages.
“It’s such a privilege to be in this race. It’s such a difficult sport, and the only thing you can do is run your own race. I went in and just did exactly what I wanted to do.
“I ran a really good first 50, and then lost my form, so there’s a load to improve on there, but I’m really positive about today. It was much better than I expected because I’ve had quite a tough week after getting disqualified in Loughborough.”
Robertson was understandably disappointed after being disqualified from both the 100m and 200m in his last outing in Loughborough before the Sainsbury’s Anniversary Games.
Add to that a whole host of injury and family problems, and merely getting out onto the track was a real achievement for the 24-year-old, who out-ran Team GB relay rivals Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, James Ellington, and Ojie Edoburun.
“I’d have liked to have run a PB but into a head wind like that, it’s probably the best I’ve ever run. I came in with no expectations and no pressure,” added Robertson.
“I’d love to be part of the relay in the World Championships, and after that it’s looking pretty positive, but this year, after all my problems, it’s all about getting ready to have a great summer next year.
“I’ve just been feeling immensely shattered and I’ve been having problems with my back, so to run that time in a very highly rated clash, I’m delighted.”
Sainsbury’s is a proud partner of British Athletics. The partnership reflects Sainsbury’s wider commitment to inspiring healthy lifestyles for all, and complements grassroots campaigns such as Active Kids and the Sainsbury’s School Games. www.sainsburys.co.uk
