Eugene (US): Usain Bolt figures his world record is safe for now. But that Olympic gold medal – well, it has to go to somebody else this summer. The 34-year-old Usain Bolt retired in 2017 from athletics. He will watch from the comfort of his home in Jamaica as someone other than him captures the Olympics title in the 100m and later the 200m for the first time since 2004.
One of Bolt’s favorites in the 100m at the rescheduled Tokyo Games will be Trayvon Bromell. The latter won the event last weekend at the US Olympic track and field trials.
“The fact I get to watch, it’s wonderful and it’s a breath of fresh air for me,” Bolt was quoted as saying by a section of the media here Friday. “But I’m competitive. And just to see somebody going out there and winning the 100 metres without me is going to be weird. But I’m excited to watch,” the sprint legend added.
Bolt likes Bromell for his speed and his story. Bromell was an up-and-comer who finished tied for third at the 2015 World Championships in a race Bolt won when he passed Justin Gatlin at the line for a .01-second victory. But Bromell dealt with persistent Achilles-heel issues following the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games that kept him on the sideline for chunks of time. He has since reemerged and once again demonstrating blazing speed. “Bromell is showing great promise,” said Bolt.
“I must say, it’s something I’m looking forward to. He’s (Bromell) been a talent over the years and proven himself to be good. But he’s had some bad injuries. He’s showing up this season. I’m looking forward to seeing him in the Olympics,” Bolt added.
As for the 100m record of 9.58 seconds – set at the 2009 World Championships – Bolt doesn’t see anyone breaking that. Not this season, anyway.
Possibly down the road.
“But let’s see what happens next,” Bolt said. “I’m keeping my eyes on Bromell because I know the times and seen the work. I’m keeping my eyes on next year and the years to come,” added the Jamaican.
Bolt stays plenty busy at home in Kingston. He and his partner, Kasi Bennett, recently had twins they named ‘Saint Leo’ and ‘Thunder’. They also have a daughter named ‘Olympia Lightning’.
About that name Thunder: “I just wanted to make a statement – Thunder Bolt. He’s going to love it when he grows up. That’s a good name and a good start.”
Perhaps a powerful track name, too – just like Usain Bolt.
The charismatic Bolt has eight Olympic gold medals on his resume. (A ninth, in the 2008 4×100 relay, was stripped because of a doping case involving a teammate). Bolt had a signature pose after wins, too, and broke numerous records, including the 200 (19.19s), which he also set in 2009.
Nowadays, instead of breaking records, he’s making them as part of his music label. The sprinter, who years ago cofounded a Jamaican restaurant-night club called Tracks & Records, focuses on reggae but he envisions branching into the hip-hop realm at some point.
“It’s something that I’ve always wanted to do,” Bolt said of his burgeoning music career. “I’m spending time in Jamaica to really pursue it and really put some energy behind it. That’s something that I’m looking forward to,” Bolt signed off.