Bolt on Gatlin: "Respect where respect is due"
The Jamaican sprint star spoke to reporters ahead of the 4x100m and also discussed his defeat in the individual 100m to the controversial American.
Usain Bolt will return to the track in London to participate in the 4x100 metres relay heats on Saturday to help defend Jamaica’s title despite still feeling the effects of his bronze medal run in the individual 100m and said that Justin Gatlin’s gold deserves “respect.”
Bolt usually runs in the 200 metres individual event but opted not to compete at that distance in London, which is his last major championships before he retires, and the 30-year-old therefore has the scope to compete in the relay heats this time.
"We'll see, we haven't done any baton changes as yet with the guys, but I feel we are ready," the 11-time World Championships gold medallist said of their chances.
Bolt: "I'm always excited to run relays"
"I have talked to Julian Forte [100m semi-finalist] a little bit. I haven't really talked to the youngsters so we'll see when it comes to the baton changes, but I'm always excited to run relays and we see what the guys are prepared and ready to do."
Yohan Blake is the only other experienced member of Jamaica's sprint relay pool to have won medals at the World Championships or Olympics.
"Physically I am alright, there is a little bit of pain, but nothing a massage can't cure, I'm taking it easy," Bolt said of his condition two days after finishing third despite clocking his season's best-equalling 9.95 seconds in the 100m final.
"A little bit disappointed but such is life," the eight-time Olympic gold medallist added of his bronze medal.
"I've done my best as always; went out there and gave my all and I'm just happy to be here and looking forward to the 4x100," added the 100m and 200m world record holder, who has helped Jamaica win the last four world 4x100 titles.
Jamaican relay record
Jamaica set the sprint relay world record of 36.84 seconds at the 2012 Olympics at the London Stadium. Bolt also has two Olympic 4x100m titles.
A third gold, from the 2008 Games in Beijing, had to be returned to the International Olympic Committee after Bolt's relay team mate Nesta Carter was found guilty of doping.
Carter has appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) asking that the Jamaican team be reinstated.
Bolt on Gatlin: "Respect where respect is due"
Meanwhile, Bolt continued to give credit to 100m gold medallist Justin Gatlin for his perseverance in a difficult atmosphere amongst the fans in London, where they booed the 35-year-old American throughout the sprint competition.
Gatlin has served two suspensions for doping offences.
"I'm just showing respect," said Bolt. "We've been battling for years and he finally got one [gold]; yes it's at the end of my career but I have to show respect and where respect is due," added the Jamaican, who insisted his legacy remains intact.
"If you work hard throughout your life, I always say anything is possible and I can imagine how long he [Gatlin] has dreamt of this moment...
"I can't be a sore loser; throughout my career I've dominated. I personally don't think it [the bronze medal] has changed what I have done in any way," Bolt said.