Usain Bolt was at a press conference this afternoon to talk about the Herculis meeting on Friday, at the Louis 2 Stadium in Monaco. An intense moment filled with emotion. Usain Bolt made a strong announcement: he is ending his career.
In 3 weeks in London, it will be the last 100 meters. The final seconds of “Lightning” Usain Bolt in the world of athletics.
It was with tears in his eyes and a nostalgic voice that Usain Bolt addressed the press this afternoon at the Fairmont Hotel in Monte Carlo.
He explains that for him, it’s time to turn the page. He has nothing more to win, nothing more to hope for. Just like Michael Johnson, it’s his time.
Asked about Friday’s race, he remains ambitious. He wishes to finish the meeting with another victory. The penultimate one. A final lap before hanging up his spikes for good.
And to prepare for it, he’s doing his utmost. Hampered by recurring back pain, he went to see Dr. Muller in Germany. He helped him a lot and got him “back on his feet.” Since then, he’s been training under the watchful eye of his coach, who pushes him to his limits. Limits he has not yet reached. Usain Bolt has indeed fallen behind in his preparation due to the death of one of his closest friends. They used to train together.
In London, in 3 weeks, Usain Bolt will only compete in the 100 m and the 4×100 m. The last two medals he lacks. In 2011, he couldn’t run the final of the 100 m as he was eliminated in the semi-finals due to a false start. This time, he does not want that to happen again.
Asked about South African sprinter Wayde Van Niekerk, he said he doesn’t regret not having faced him during his career. He wishes him good luck. For him, it’s like a passing of the torch between the master and the student. He is at the twilight of his career, while Wayde is just at the beginning of his. His bursts of speed impress the Jamaican star. For Bolt, Wayde can soon compete in both short and long races and win them if he wishes.
Friday will thus be the penultimate race for the Jamaican lightning bolt. A moment that’s always a bit special, he says. A moment of grace in front of an audience that has always given him a great welcome. He expects to be very emotional.
However, after athletics, Bolt will continue his journey.
He has not yet set a direction. Only one thing is dear to him, helping his beloved club in Jamaica and offering his advice. So, exit football, even though many Manchester United fans wished he would come play for their club.
The rendezvous is set in 3 weeks in London for the very last race.
