A look ahead to the Ostrava Golden Spike meeting in Czech Republic

Usain Bolt will follow up his season debut over 100m last week with his regular appearance at the Ostrava Golden Spike meeting in Czech Republic on Friday (May 20).

The world record-holder, who ran 10.05 in the Cayman Invitational on May 14, will again compete over the short sprint as he races in Ostrava, where he is unbeaten so far, for the eighth time.

“I had a tight hamstring after my last race,” said the six-time Olympic gold medallist at the pre-event press conference. “But I went to see a doctor and I m feeling much better now.

“I know that the more I run, the better I ll get, so I m happy that I started racing early this year.”

On his hopes for the race, he added: “I was promised the weather would be good. Hopefully I can run a 9.8.”

Among those also lining up in the 100m at the IAAF World Challenge meeting will be world decathlon record-holder Ashton Eaton, who will also contest the long jump.

Pole vault world record-holder Renaud Lavillenie will be looking to return to winning ways after his loss at the Shanghai Diamond League, while Kenya s world javelin champion Julius Yego will make his first appearance in Europe this year.

Zuzana Hejnova is another Beijing world champion in action as she competes in front of a home crowd in the 400m hurdles. Pavel Maslak will also be hoping for a win on home soil as he races the 400m.

A large contingent of Brits will be in Ostrava. James Ellington goes in the 200m, while Martyn Rooney races over his European title-winning distance of 400m.

William Sharman, David Omoregie and Lawrence Clarke line up in the 110m hurdles. Rhys Williams is also hurdling, in his case over 400m.

Max Eaves faces the world record-holder in the pole vault. The 1500m field features Tom Lancashire and Chris O Hare and Hannah England contests the women’s event.

Shona Richards and Meghan Beesley go over 400m hurdles, while Seren Bundy-Davies contests the flat equivalent.

You can watch a live stream of the event via EverSport here. A timetable and further information can be found here.

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