“Still a big deal to me”: Bolt on his world records in his Esquire feature

6 months ago

Share Story

Track legend Usain Bolt says his sprinting world records remain a “big deal” to him while speaking in his feature for the June edition of noted publication, Esquire Middle East.

They are still a big deal to me,” he shared, adding. “I think the longer that it goes on, the better it feels. Especially now that I am retired, they help keep me relevant in the sport, and that means a lot to me.

Bolt who’ll be in attendance at this year’s Olympic Games in Paris shared his excitement in watching the “greatest show on earth” as a fan in the stands for the first time.

I’ve never watched a Championship before as a fan!” he shared. “Because I would run three events [100m, 200m and 4x100m relay], I would be competing all throughout the Championships, so I never actually get to go to the stadium to watch the races or experience the atmosphere as a fan. It’s kind of crazy when you think about it.”

“I’m really looking forward to it. Obviously, I want to watch the 100m and 200m—the 200m being my favourite event, of course.”

Bolt, of course, holds the world records in the men’s 100m and 200m in scorching times of 9.58 seconds and 19.19 seconds.

The sprint legend was excited about sharing his first fan moment with his children, who will also be travelling with him to watch the games in Paris.

“I’m bringing the kids with me. They are still young, but hopefully, they will remember something from it.

Commenting on favourites for this year’s titles, the three-time Olympic double sprint champ noted that the gold medals in the men’s for the event are wide open to anyone the day.

“No one has really run that fast this year, so it is really there for the taking, like it was last time [with Italy’s Marcel Jacobs unexpectedly winning in Tokyo 2020]. But it will start to become clearer who the contenders are towards the end of June, as we get closer.”

The feature which highlighted Bolt’s career achievements and dominance also touched on life after athletics.

The eight-time Olympic gold medalist joked that his children aren’t star-struck by his accolades or status at their age.

“I’ve spoken to other athletes about this and what I’ve noticed with kids is that no matter how good or successful a sports person their parents are, they just don’t look up to you that way,” he quipped speaking to the publication.

“Hopefully by the time my kids are old enough to properly understand track and field, I will still have my world records, and so they will have to put some respect on my name!.”

Additionally, Bolt is the newest Brand Ambassador for Jamaican beer company Redstripe. He recently signed a multi-year deal with the beer giant