Jamaica's Usain Bolt displays the national flag of Jamaica after taking men's 100m final at the National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, during Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Aug. 16, 2008. Usain Bolt claimed the title of the event and broke the world record. (Xinhua Photo)

Jamaica's triple Olympic champion Usain Bolt believes he can take the 100 meters world record down to 9.58 seconds and go below 19 seconds in the 200 meters.

Bolt set new marks of 9.69 and 19.30 seconds to win the 100m and 200m titles, respectively, in August in Beijing, where he was also part of Jamaica's victorious 100m relay team.

"I've heard my coach (Glen Mills) talk of 9.58 seconds as a possible time (in the 100m) and I believe him," the 22-year-old told La Gazzetta dello Sport after being named the Italian daily's male sports personality of the year.

"He also said that it could be possible for me to go under 19 seconds in the 200m. Glen knows what he's talking about and I believe him."

Bolt confirmed that he would probably race 400 meters in the future, but would not be pinned down on when.

He also said he expected renewed competition in the new year from his compatriot and former world record holder Asafa Powell and America's Tyson Gay.

"I expect Gay to seek to come back and Asafa to try to go faster than ever," he said. "I won't have life easy but that makes it more fun for me."

Bolt beat American swimmer Michael Phelps, who won an unprecedented eight gold medals and set seven world records in Beijing, to claim Gazzetta's top athlete award.

(Shanghai Daily via Xinhua News Agency January 4, 2009)