Usain Bolt's ready to run, have fun at Penn Relays

Usain Bolt plans on taking it easy this year.

"We're not trying to do anything special this year," the 100 and 200 Olympic and world champion said Friday about his goals for the season. "We're trying to do just enough to stay on beat this year and do it with as little energy as possible. Because next year we're going to be very serious. Next year won't be the same."

This weekend, Bolt will be concentrating on the Penn Relays, where he'll run in the Jamaican 4x100 relay on Saturday afternoon as part of the USA vs. the World competition.

"Our coach has really been drilling us," Bolt said. "I think he's really taking this very seriously. We've been really working hard on this. The team is looking good, and we should get our passes down."

Asafa Powell, however, won't be part of the team because of an inflamed tendon, according to USA Track & Field spokesperson Jill Geer.

The U.S. team, however, is focused on beating Bolt.

"It's going to be a battle, but let's see what happens. He's an amazing athlete and he brings so much attention to the sport," said Darvis Patton, a 2004 Olympic gold medalist. "We're sold out tomorrow. One guy sold this place out. That's spectacular. They're here to see Usain Bolt, but they're going to see us too. He's not running by himself."

The Penn Relays are nothing new for the 23-year-old Jamaican, who competed at Franklin Field every year from 2001-05.

"As a kid growing up, you look forward to the Penn Relays every year," Bolt said. "Running in front of such a big crowd, it did help me go to the world championships and the Olympics and all these big events. ... There's such big crowds and people screaming and expecting the world of you."

As always, the Jamaican fans are expected to dominate the Penn Relays with their boundless energy and raucous patriotism. This year, though, the green-and-yellow contingent will have a little extra pep in its step.

"I just can't imagine now running in front of them after being Olympic and world champion," Bolt said. "It's just a wonderful, great experience that everyone should experience."

As track and field fans know, Bolt's great performances on the track often lead to great antics after the race. Saturday could be no different.

"It all depends on how I'm feeling that day," Bolt said, sporting a New York Yankees hat. "If I'm feeling good, it's always going to be fun. I try to get the crowds laughing and joking, but it all depends on the vibe."

In fact, Bolt considers that showmanship the biggest difference between the high school athlete who first appeared at Franklin Field in 2001 and the world champion who will race on Saturday.

"I think I've just changed in showing people more of my personality," he said. "I was kind of laid-back then. I think my friends were aware of how cool I am. I like to mess around and joke around a lot. I think that's how I've changed."

That and being the fastest man in the world.

"I just like to have fun and smile," Bolt said. "That's what I do."