Usain Bolt cruises into Olympics 200m semi-finals

London: Usain Bolt began his bid to win the sprint double at London 2012 by cruising into the semi-finals of the Olympic 200m.

The 25-year-old Jamaican, who defended his 100m crown on Sunday, eased off down the home straight as he won his heat in a time of 20.39 seconds.

He was joined by France`s Christophe Lemaitre, who did not run the 100m, and Britain`s Christian Malcolm.

The semi-finals are on Wednesday and the final takes place on Thursday.

Four-time Olympic champion Bolt is also attempting to retain his 200m title from Beijing.

After what was approaching a jog, Bolt told BBC Sport: "The crowd is always wonderful, they play an important role in my running and I love my 200m.

"I try to do my part, I know what comes with winning so all I have to do is try and enjoy it."

BDST: 1832 HRS, August 7, 2012
Edited by
Chanchal Ghosh, Newsroom Editor