Usain Bolt has acknowledged that he now finds it challenging to ascend stairs without feeling out of breath as he transitions into retired life after an illustrious athletic career. The renowned Jamaican sprinter, holding the title of the fastest human in history, has left a remarkable legacy in the Olympic arena.
Bolt rose to prominence in 2008 during the Beijing Olympics and proceeded to dominate the track, securing eight Olympic gold medals and 11 world titles. At 39 years old, he still retains the world record for the 100m sprint with a remarkable time of 9.58 seconds.
Following his retirement in 2017, Bolt has been dealing with the aftermath of a torn Achilles tendon, impacting his daily routines. While not known for his endurance as a sprinter, the extent of his current struggles with cardiovascular stamina has been surprising.
In an interview with The Guardian, Bolt revealed, “I mostly engage in gym workouts now. I’m not particularly fond of it, but given my time away from the track, I realize the necessity to resume running. Even climbing stairs leaves me breathless. I believe I need to reintegrate running into my routine to improve my breathing.”
Apart from his 100m achievement, Bolt also holds world records for the fastest 200m sprint at 19.19 seconds and the quickest 4x100m relay at 36.84 seconds. He competed in a competitive era alongside formidable opponents like Yohan Blake, Asafa Powell, and Justin Gatlin, asserting their superiority over the current generation of sprinters.
Bolt emphasized the importance of talent, stating, “We simply possess more inherent talent. This disparity is evident in men’s performances compared to women’s, where faster times are being recorded. Talent plays a pivotal role in our achievements.”
Since the Lausanne Diamond League meeting post London 2012, no one has broken the 9.70 barrier, with current Olympic 100m champion Noah Lyles clinching gold with a personal best of 9.79. Lyles aspires to break Bolt’s 200m record, considering it a significant goal.
Throughout his career, Bolt maintained a larger-than-life persona that transcended his sport, advocating for authenticity and engagement among track and field athletes with their fans. He emphasized the importance of being oneself and enjoying the moment rather than forcing a persona.
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