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Usain Bolt talks to Nigerian legend Mikel Obi about his time in Australia when he aimed to transition from athletics to football.
Jamaican sprint legend Usain Bolt has opened up about his brief foray into professional football, describing his stint with Australian A-League side Central Coast Mariners as a "mistake."
In a recent conversation with former Nigerian football star John Mikel Obi, Bolt shared insights into his two-month experience in Australia back in 2018.
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Usain Bolt reveals football mistake to Mikel Obi
Bolt, who retired from athletics in 2017, explained that he chose Australia to escape the intense media scrutiny he would have faced in Europe.
"I knew if I stayed in Europe, the media would be on me," Bolt said, revealing that he had offers from various French clubs.
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The eight-time Olympic gold medalist, who also revealed he still has the speed to compete in 2024, described the challenges he faced in adapting to football training, which he found significantly different from his athletics regimen.
"They didn't do a lot of running like I did to get in shape," Bolt explained, adding that he had to request additional training programs from his athletics coach to maintain his fitness.
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Despite feeling that his progress was good, with an assistant coach praising his speed and touch, Bolt encountered a significant hurdle when discussing his path to first-team football.
The head coach informed him it would take four to five months before he could be considered for selection.
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"I was like, I'm not going to wait four months," Bolt recounted, expressing his frustration at the prospect of missing half the season.
This timeline ultimately led to the decision, by the legendary sprinter who also recounted some of his special rivalries on the tracks to leave the club.
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While Bolt acknowledged that the experience was enjoyable and educational, he concluded that it wasn't the right fit for his ambitions.
"I can make money some other way," he reflected, highlighting the financial considerations that also played a part in his decision.
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This revelation provides a rare glimpse into the challenges faced by athletes attempting to transition between sports at a professional level, even for someone of Bolt's calibre and fame.
Despite the setback, Bolt remains positive about the experience, describing it as "fun" and "a great experience" overall, showcasing his ability to find value in even the most challenging of sporting endeavours.
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