Baker is not lacking confidence, that’s the impression we get after his Wednesday press conference in Brussels. On Friday night Baker will be the favourite to win the 100 metres of the Diamond League final at
the AG Memorial Van Damme. With 9.87 the American is the fastest man of 2018. In Eugene he even ran 9.78, albeit too much aided by the wind.
“For me it’s not a surprise to be the fastest man of the year,” former 400 metre runner Baker said. “It’s always been my goal to be number one. I’ve only started focussing on the 100 metres for three years. The strength I have with my 400 metre experience helps me to have a strong finish on the 100.”
The Diamond League is heading towards a climax with Friday’s finale in Brussels. “Still I don’t feel tired after performing on the highest level for all these months. The fact that I ran a 9.87 last week in Poland proved that I have a lot left in the tank. I want to go even quicker at the Memorial. How quick? I can’t say. Let me put it this way. God has a plan for me… and it’s not 9.78. I know I can go quicker. A time that will shock the world."
Is Ronnie Baker the new Usain Bolt? It’s a question that makes him chuckle. “I get asked that question a lot. I’m just trying to be the best Ronnie Baker. Of course it’s nice that my name is being mentioned to fill the vacuum that Bolt left. His world record of 9.58 is amazing, but records are there to be broken. It’s a shame I never got to run against him. I have never even met him."
In contrast to Bolt, Baker doesn’t have a signature move before or after a race. “Not really, no. I just do whatever comes up after a win. People will probably say whatever Bolt did was better or funnier anyway."
