ExxonMobil Bislett Games Oslo – Thursday June 9th 2011 – „Lightning Bolt“ hits Oslo

The World's fastest man has arrived at the place of his next heroic action, and he did it – coming from London – by plane, obviously, and by train. Train? Yes: Flytoget, the company which runs the Express Train from Oslo airport Gardemoen to Oslo downtown, is one of the Bislett Games sponsors. There is even more. The train needs 19 minutes to cover 45 kilometres, Bolt can do 200 meters in  19 seconds and a little bit more.

The way from the airport exit to the train station is less than 200 meters, but Jamaica’s superstar needed almost 19 minutes for this distance. His fingers showed the sign of victory when he smiled into the cameras of NRK and TV2 and in half a dozen of photographers' camera lenses for the first time. Journalists from the most prominent national papers were present, when the undisputed king of 100m and 200m set foot in Norway. “I’m here for the first time”, he said, “I don’t know a lot about this country.”

Kids asked for and got autographs, and these were the first of dozens and dozens which Usain Bolt will probably sign in the next four days. During the first interviews, the 24-year-old athlete said: “I’ve heard that the track is very fast in Oslo, but I do not know it. Until now, I’ve never run here.” And because he seemed too serious, he clarified with a smile: “I’m still showman and not serious.”

But the showman, who went on with interviews and photo shootings during the short train ride, isn’t in Oslo for the show. He will train during the next days in view of the competition. “I will give 100 percent. The 200m are my race!” Bolt said. However, the victory in Norway should just be another step towards the World Championships in South Korea later this year. “I’m focused on the Worlds, doesn’t matter if I lose all other events before that competition!”

That won’t happen. The most dangerous and strongest opponent on Thursday (200m at 9:47 pm) should be the weather. At the moment, the forecast isn’t that good and predicts rain. No problem, says Bolt. “I’m not worried about the rain; I did some good races in adverse weather conditions.” Could be that Usain Bolt himself takes care of the lightning…

The Express Train reaches Oslo Main Station, and Usain Bolt smiles. “I don’t know the outcome of the result on Thursday. But I know that I have no chance to win against this train.”

Welcome to Oslo, Lightning Bolt!