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McAvaney backs Bolt to create Olympic history in Rio

Following a successful weekend in the Diamond League, Usain Bolt looks to have timed his preparation to perfection, just a fortnight out from the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.

Bolt has struggled with injuries leading up to his third Olympics, but he now stands on the verge of creating history as he attempts to win 100m and 200m gold, three Olympics in a row.

Whilst many have doubted whether he can achieve the feat, Seven Olympic commentator Bruce McAvaney said in this week’s episode of Road to Rio that the reigning World and Olympic champion’s performance on the weekend shows he is ready to go.

Bolt has a unique opportunity to create history in Rio. Source: Getty

“This really in many ways was his fitness test," McAvaney said.

"He’s run 19.89, it’s the fifth fastest. You see Bolt tie up late, he’s not quite the sparkling Bolt that we know.

“But it puts him in a very strong position to win the gold in the 200m in Rio."

Despite Bolt’s dominance on the biggest stage, a strong rival has emerged for Rio in the form of American Justin Gatlin.

Gatlin, 34, won silver behind Bolt at the 2015 world champs in both the 100m and 200m and carries the quickest 100m time of 2016 heading into the Olympics, running a 9.80, almost a second quicker than Bolt’s fastest time of the year (9.88).

Despite the American’s impressive form, McAvaney believes the big stage will bring out Bolt’s best once again.

"He hasn’t been No.1 in the world for the last two years to be honest, but he’s won the big events,” he said.

“Last year at the world championships he went to Beijing and Gatlin had all the fast times and you saw Gatlin tie up. He struggled right there and Bolt got him.

“I think he’s got a psychological advantage over him."

The war of words between Gatlin and Bolt has already kicked off with Bolt accusing Gatlin of disrespecting him over his comments surrounding Bolt’s medical exemption to miss the Jamaican trials.

Gatlin, along with other USA sprinters said the Jamaican was receiving special treatment that would not be afforded had he been an American.

Bolt quickly laughed off the verbal jabs from Gatlin, who has been suspended twice for doping violations.

"For me I felt it was a joke, I felt it was a disrespect they think I'd back out of a trials," Bolt said.

"I've proven myself year on year that I'm the greatest. I laughed when I heard it, I was disappointed, especially in Justin Gatlin."