Just arrived from Los Angeles, where he ran in 10 sec 03 Saturday, Bracy (29), beaten by his compatriot Fred Kerley at the Worlds in Eugene last year, stung the Italian Olympic champion, accused of running away from his American opponents.

QUESTION: You announce that this season will be your best. What for?

ANSWER: "I have an atypical career, I returned to athletics in 2020 after three years of break (for a parenthesis without success in American football), this is only my third season since my return. I missed the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 because of an injury, and last year I missed the world title by a little. 2023 is going to be my year, I managed to capitalize, I know the way to success. Tomorrow (Wednesday) in Montreuil, I will have two races (series and final), I think I will run in less than ten seconds. I just ran twice in less than 10 sec 10 for my return. In Los Angeles I had a bad race but I managed 10.03 seconds anyway, it means I'm ready for serious things."

Q: How do you rate your current opponents at the top of the 100m, Fred Kerley, Marcell Jacobs or Trayvon Bromell?

A: "I love playing Fred. He's not afraid of anything, and when he lines up, you know he'll be on top. He asks you to raise your level to heights that others cannot imagine. I can't wait to meet him this season, I don't know when yet. Then, like everyone else, I'm dying to beat Marcell (Jacobs), it becomes vital. He speaks a lot for someone who doesn't run. He is an Olympic champion, he has earned his title, nothing to say. I can't wait to face him, especially since he's already beaten me twice. He is the only current sprinter that I have not yet dominated. I want it on my hunting board. Trayvon (Bromell) is my training partner (in Jacksonville, Florida), I see him every day."

Q: After his forfeit in Rabat last week, you gently mocked Jacobs on social media with Fred Kerley...

A: "I will never make fun of other people's injuries, but here his problem seems to fall too well for him. It's time to face the guys he hasn't raced against since the Olympics! At some point you have to assume and show up on the starting line. Everyone wanted this clash between the world champion and the Olympic champion. Not challenging us is not good for anyone..."

Interview by Robin GREMMEL

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