Sprinter Bolt says he`s fully recovered from ankle pain

A parade of bicycles marched through the athletes village of the IAAF World Championships of Athletics in Daegu. A familiar man led the parade.

After competing in a bicycle race, he returned to Champion House, the site of the athletes village cafeteria.

He was none other than Jamaican superstar Usain Bolt, 25, the world’s fastest runner. No hint of pain showed on his face Wednesday after frowns were seen in his face Tuesday over ankle pain. He looked just mischievous as he ordinarily does.

A Dong-A Ilbo reporter saw again Bolt at the state-of-the-art athletes village, a facility provided to runners for the first time in the history of the tournament. Dong-A is the first Korean media outlet to cover the situation inside the village by winning official approval from the Athletic Village Media Center after the village opened Sunday.

The reporter asked Bolt about his ankle, which reporters from other media outlets had questioned. When the reporter said Korean fans are concerned about pain in his left ankle, the sprinter held up his two arms as if a bit perplexed, saying, “What are they worried about. I`m completely OK.”

Bolt ate with colleagues at the cafeteria in the village. He had a balanced meal that included chicken, which he has often enjoyed since his arrival in Korea, vegetables, rice and meat.

Living up to his reputation as a big soccer fan, he watched a youth soccer competition broadcast on TV while dining.

Bolt cheerfully gave a high five to Immanuel Colland of Trinidad and Tobago, his rival in the 100 and 200 meters. After finishing his meal, Bolt said, “The athletes village is fantastic and very comfortable,” adding, “I`ll show a good performance at Daegu Stadium.”

Apart from Bolt, athletes staying at the village did not hesitate to describe the facility as “fantastic.” Many raved about the clean environment of the modern apartments that were made public before the official opening of the tournament.

Leman Peres, roommate of “Blade Runner” Oscar Pistorious of South Africa, said, “The rooms are perfect and cleaner than those in luxury hotels,” adding, “Underground paths linking the apartment buildings’ basement and cafeteria are also convenient.”

The physically disabled Pistorious also said, “I like that very much.”