‘Party animal’ Bolt still has his money on Wayde

Retired Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt has so much faith in Wayde van Niekerk that he strongly believes the South African ace is capable of smashing the dust-gathering 200m world record.

“Van Niekerk has shown and proved to be not only strong but fast. For me the possibility is there,” Bolt told City Press at the launch of his signature champagne on Thursday, a partnership that was borne out his mega sponsorship deal with GH Mumm champagne.

“I tell people that if anyone can break the world record, it’s going to be in the 200m. I think the 100m record is going to stay for a very long time,” added the 32-year-old who set the standing 9.58 seconds in the 100m as well as the 19.19 seconds in the 200m at the 2009 IAAF World Championships.

Bolt is in the country for the Sun Met horse race in Cape Town on Saturday, an annual event that he started attending last year as Mumm’s “chief entertainment officer”.

“Mumm is a big deal for me. We have done lots of events together because I like partying and celebrating.”

• Read more in City Press newspaper on Sunday for the full interview