Ato likes it hot

15/09/1998

ATO BOLDON has hardly been in Kuala Lumpur for 24 hours but he reckonseverything is perfect for him to take a crack at Donovan Bailey's 100mworld record of 9.84s. In fact, this became the 25-year-old Trinidad and Tobago sprinter'starget once he made up his mind to run in the Commonwealth Games,irrespective of the conditions and climate. But what he found out after his first workout at the National Stadium inBukit Jalil, venue of the track and field competition starting onWednesday, was more than perfect. The heat and humidity, wind which can be expected anytime of the day anda fast, newly laid track at the stadium are expected to give Boldon theimpetus to push for the record. "There you go. These are the ideal record-breaking conditions and youhave it all here," said Boldon yesterday. "I like it here. In fact, I had only planned to train for a while but itlasted an hour and a half. It's just like Trinidad and my body comes alivein the heat. "I have always run my best in hot humid conditions. I am ready to takeon Bailey's world record." Boldon ran a cracking 9.86s in Athens in June, the same time as he didin Walnut in the United States in April. That time made him as the fastestman over 100m this year. Only Barbados' Obadele Thompson had come close with his 9.87s run in theWorld Cup in Johannesburg four days ago. However, Boldon has provided little indication that he is ready to runhimself into the record books in Kuala Lumpur. Three poor races prior to KL, the last of which was 9.99s in Berlin 10days ago where he came in third behind Americans Maurice Green and JonDrummond, were of little comfort. "I hope Frankie (Fredericks) will show up. Likewise, I would have hopedfor Bailey's presence here as victory would be sweeter. But he is injuredand I wish him a speedy recovery," said Boldon. Fredericks, who had pulled out earlier, has had a change of mind andwill be in KL today. So too is England's Dwain Chambers, bronze medallist in the World Cupand the European champion. However, Boldon will start as favourite. If he doesn't win, he saidObadele will.