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Usain Bolt is famed as arguably the best sprinter to ever live and holds the world record in the 100m and the 200m events.
Jamaican sprint legend Usain Bolt, often regarded as the fastest man in history, recently opened up about how his vibrant personality changed the face of track and field.
In a candid reflection on his journey on the High Performance Podcast, Bolt credited his charisma and authenticity for transforming the sport into a more expressive and enjoyable spectacle.
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06:00 - 10.12.2024
'He looks like young me' - Usain Bolt finally gives his verdict on 16-year-old phenom Gout Gout after breaking his record
Gout Gout is touted as the next big thing in sprints and Usain Bolt's praise further underlines his meteoric rise.
“It was just my personality,” Bolt shared. “If you followed my career, you’d see that even when I was 15 and competing in Jamaica, I would salute the crowd and vibe with them after a win. At the World Youth Championships the next year, I was breakdancing. It’s just who I’ve always been.”
When Bolt transitioned to senior-level competition, his energetic celebrations and relaxed demeanor stood in stark contrast to the traditionally serious tone of the sport.
Initially, this approach drew criticism. “When I celebrated after crossing the line, some people told me it was disrespectful,” he recalled.
“But when I asked the athletes if they felt disrespected, they said, ‘No, if we were winning by that much, we’d be doing the same thing.’”
Bolt’s unapologetic self-expression eventually became a hallmark of his career, inspiring a new wave of athletes to let their personalities shine.
“I really changed the face of track and field,” he said. “Now, you see athletes expressing themselves, and it makes the sport more fun. Fans feel like they know the athletes better, which helps them enjoy the sport even more.”
The eight-time Olympic gold medalist emphasized the importance of confidence and preparation, reflecting on advice from his coach.
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13:00 - 09.12.2024
'No way he beats me'- Usain Bolt reveals why 'humbling' Michael Johnson at 2008 Beijing Olympics is one of his guilty pleasures
While Usain Bolt and American track legend Michael Johnson never faced of in direct competition their records pitted them against each other.
“When you’ve done the work, the moment of competition is just about execution. There’s nothing else you can do to change the outcome at that point, so there’s no need to worry. It’s either you’re ready, or you’re not.”
Bolt’s legacy extends far beyond his record-breaking sprints. By staying true to himself he not only dominated the track but also redefined what it means to be a global sports icon.
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