Olympic 200m champion Usain Bolt is flanked by silver medallist Yohan Blake (right), and bronze medallist Warren Weir (left), after yesterday's final in London, England. Ricardo Makyn

Glen Mills

LONDON, England:

Olympic 200m bronze medallist Warren Weir heaped praises on Racers Track Club coach Glen Mills after his historic achievement in the event yesterday.

Forced to change his focus from the 110m hurdles because of an injury that affected him whenever he hurdled, Weir showed that he was a quick learner, lowering his personal best on several occasions over the last year.

Last night's result made Jamaica only the second team to have a 200m medal sweep at the Olympic Games after the US, which has done it on six occasions.

The former Calabar student was full of praise for his coach Glen Mills, and was extremely happy to be a part of the historic achievement.

"It's an excellent feeling to know that we were able to do this for Jamaica and come out here and be a part of history," said Weir.

"To come into the London Olympics and run in the 200m and run 19.84 after switching from the hurdles, coach Mills, your vision paid off."

Weir who said he was surprised by his development in the 200m, credited Mills for always believing in him and for keeping his promise to make him a sprinter that the world will come to know and respect.

"Coach Mills saw it, I was a bit in my mind, doubtful because I was saying I'm not that quick, but as the months went by, I saw that vision coming through," Weir said.

"Mills is like a father to me and a true inspiration. He saw me from Calabar and told me that he will turn me into a sprinter that the world will see and recognise and I have to say coach Mills, a big Thank You."

Weir also took time out to thank all those who have supported him on his roller coaster ride, particularly his training partners Bolt and Blake, who he said are daily motivators.

"I know Trelawny, and Refuge to be exact, must be celebrating, Waterford, Calabar family, must be celebrating and I want to say a big thank you to all of Jamaica for supporting me," Weir beamed.