James Dasaolu left disappointed with his London Olympics 100m effort – but he will be back

James Dassaolu contemplates his 100m semi-final exit at the London Olympics. Photo: Nick Butcher

Michael Bailey , London Olympics correspondent Monday, August 6, 2012
11:05 AM

James Dasaolu could not bag the personal best he wanted – but hopes he can build on his London Olympics 100m experience.

James Dasaolu running inside Usain Bolt during his 100m heat on Saturday lunchtime. Photo: Nick Butcher

The 24-year-old sprinter came home seventh in the second of three semi-finals on Sunday night in front of the 80,000 Olympic Stadium crowd – his time of 10.18 seconds short of his 10.09 personal best. But the Croydon Harrier – whose parents Akintola and Abosede run Steve McDonald News in Witard Road, north Norwich – will get through his Olympic disappointment.

“I don’t feel I did myself justice,” said Dasaolu. “I thought I had a better performance in me than my heats, so I’m really disappointed with myself. I was hoping for at least a personal best, something like 10.0 would have done.

“Of course these are all building blocks. This is my first global event and I look forward to more to come. I’ve gained some experience in this.

“I felt good in this company – this is all new to me and next time I’ll be in this company again.”

The sprinter certainly had a good time of it in Saturday’s heats, finishing third running one lane inside Usain Bolt, with a season’s best 10.13.