Bolt clocks season best in Zagreb

Bolt is back and as popular as ever after recording his fastest time of the season in Zagreb [EPA]

Jamaican Usain Bolt looks to have put the disappointment of the World Championships behind him coming fast, but not too fast, out of the blocks in Zagreb on Tuesday.

The world’s fastest man shocked the world in Daegu when he was disqualified in the final after a false start but redeemed himself a few days later by taking gold in the 200m by a large margin.

At the Zagreb World Challenge he clocked a comfortable victory and a season best 9.85 seconds in the 100 meters. 

Bolt shaved .03 seconds off his previous season best, when he ran 9.88 at Monaco in June, but the Jamaican said he could have done better on what was a warm, still night.

“I loved that they were excited and that the fans come up to me. I’m always grateful for that” Usain Bolt

“It was a poor start. I kind of lost concentration and just went through the line. It was OK, I suppose, but I could have done better – especially with the weather like that.”

The 25-year-old world and Olympic record holder was making his first 100-meter outing since his disqualification last month.

Kim Collins of Saint Kitts and Nevis ran a season best 10.01 seconds to finish second, ahead of Trinidad’s Richard Thompson who clocked 10.03.

There was standing room only on a balmy still night at the 61st Boris Hanzekovic Memorial, and security had trouble controlling the crowd as Bolt celebrated with delirious fans.

“It was wonderful, the crowd here,” Bolt said.

“I loved that they were excited and that the fans come up to me. I’m always grateful for that.”

Bolt’s news conference was cut short when too many journalists tried to force their way into the room.