After winning gold in Rio, Usain Bolt admits he needs more race practice

Usain Bolt

Rio De Jaeiro, Aug 18 (IANS): Usain Bolt admitted he lacked sharpness after taking gold in a 100-metre race in Rio de Janeiro Sunday.

The six-time Olympic champion clocked 10.06 seconds to beat Britain's Mark Lewis Francis (10.42) and Jefferson Liberato of Brazil (10.44) on the Copacabana beach track, Xinhua reported.

"I had a poor start but I regained some of my poise later in the race," said Bolt, who was competing in his first individual 100-metre race of the year. "I felt a bit heavy. I need to compete in more races. I will be in better shape after that."

The 27-year-old thanked the support of thousands of locals who willed the Jamaican on to victory.

"The energy here is great. Thank you everybody, it was fantastic."

Brazilian Rosangela Santos won the women's event in 11.33 seconds ahead of Jamaica's Schillonie Calvert and Carmelita Jeter of the US.