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Tag: Usain Bolt

  • Bolt: I could have run 9.42 in ‘super-spikes’

    Bolt: I could have run 9.42 in ‘super-spikes’

    Usain Bolt, whose 9.58 seconds world record for the 100 metres is now 16 years old, says he could have run 9.42 in the carbon-plated “super-spikes” that today’s sprinters are racing in.

    The Jamaican set his mark at the 2009 world championships in Berlin, breaking his own 9.69 record from the previous year’s Beijing Olympics, and it has now stood for longer than the 14 years of Jim Hines’s 9.95 set at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics.

    Research by Puma, the company that shod him through his glorious era of dominance, predicted that Bolt would run 9.42 in today’s shoes and, speaking at an event ahead of the world championships in Tokyo, he said: “I fully agree.”

    “Someone who continued after I retired was Shelly-Anne Fraser-Pryce and I saw what she did – she got faster with the spikes,” Bolt said. “I probably would have run way faster if I’d continued and if I knew that spikes would have got to that level maybe I would have, because it would have been great to compete at that level and running that fast.”

    Bolt’s compatriot Kishane Thompson ran 9.75 at the Jamaican championships in June – the fastest time by anyone for 10 years to make him the sixth-fastest of all time – but Bolt said he was not worried about anyone breaking his record anytime soon.

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    “I think the talent is there and those who are coming up will do well but, at this present moment, I don’t think they will be able to break the world record,” he said.

    Bolt retired in 2017 with six Olympic and seven world individual 100m and 200m golds, and no Jamaican man has won a global sprint title since his Rio Olympic double in 2016.

    Thompson came within five thousandths of a second of ending the drought when he was pipped on the line by Noah Lyles in last year’s Olympic 100m final and Bolt says he, or compatriot Oblique Seville, could go one better in Sunday’s 100 metres.

    “I think we have a very good chance this year. Kishane and Oblique have really showed this season that they’re really doing extremely well,” Bolt said.

    “I’m looking forward to it, I mean they should be one-two because they’ve proved they are running fast times so it’s just all about execution. So I’m happy to go into the stadium and see and hopefully I’ll be able to present the gold medal to one of them.”

    Tokyo will be the first global athletics event Bolt has attended since his farewell at the London world championships in 2017, though whether he presents the medals is likely to depend on who is doing the receiving.

    Bolt might find himself otherwise engaged if it is defending champion Lyles on the top step.

    He said he has no issues with the American, despite having a social media spat with him a few years back, and despite Lyles getting under Jamaica’s skin by announcing that he had Thompson “in his pocket” earlier this season.

    “I don’t think Noah is as crazy as dealing with Justin (Gatlin), so for me it’s no different,” Bolt said of his former rival.

    “I think Gatlin over the years, we pushed back and forth, but he was a different breed because he came up in the era where trash talking was just normal to everybody.

    “As you know I never listened to anybody, I know when I’m preparing and I’m ready you can say whatever you want you’re not going to beat me so I’m always focusing so it would never be a problem.”

  • Injured Usain Bolt reveals extent of injury at Soccer Aid

    Injured Usain Bolt reveals extent of injury at Soccer Aid

    The extent of Usain Bolt’s Soccer Aid injury has been revealed, with the multiple Olympic gold medalists sharing a photo from his hospital bed.

    Bolt, 37, took part in the charity football match once more in June as part of a World XI. It was his sixth appearance in the fixture, which raised millions for Unicef, and he wore the captain’s armband at Stamford Bridge.

    Sadly for Bolt, his evening came to an early end in West London. He went down injured while attempting to close down former England international striker Jermain Defoe and eventually had to leave the field on a stretcher.

    He later revealed he had suffered a ruptured Achilles, the kind of injury which can keep professional footballers out for months. The injury was serious enough for Bolt to require surgery, which has now taken place.

    The Jamaican confirmed the surgery had been successful, sharing a photo of himself sitting atop a hospital bed with crutches and his foot in a cast. The road to recovery has now begun, though it remains to be seen whether he will return to Soccer Aid action in 2025.

    There were plenty of messages of support for the fastest man on earth, who holds the world record over 100m and 200m. “Sub 9 seconds when the recovery is complete. Here we go,” joked one.

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    Plenty of others sent simple “get well soon” messages, while others wished him a speedy recovery. “Rest and heal well,” was the response from another.

    The 2024 Soccer Aid match marked the first time the England XI have beaten their rest-of-world opponents since 2018. Both teams included former professional footballers in their ranks, as well as other athletes including Bolt and celebrities such as actor Danny Dyer and comedian Lee Mack.

    It was 2-2 at the break, with Joe Cole and Ellen White on target for England and Eden Hazard and Alessandro Del Piero netting for their opponents. White’s goal, which followed good work from Jack Wilshere, marked the first time a female player has scored in the fixture.

    In the second half, England rang the changes and ran away with the game. Dragon’s Den businessman Steven Bartlett scored twice after the break as England ran out 6-3 victors on the night.

  • Usain Bolt may face Ogenyi Onazi in Turkish league if…..

     

    Jamaican sprinter and eight time Olympic gold medallist Usain Bolt may come face to face with Nigeria international Ogenyi Onazi if he succeeds in getting a deal with Turkish side Sivasspor.

    The Turkish first division side according to reports is ready to offer the Jamaican a second chance to have a go at professional football.

    Bolt who retired from the tracks in 2017 made is keen on switching sports and making a career in football.

    The 6ft 5in 32-year-old, who prefers to play as a striker, had a trial with Central Coast Mariners in Australia earlier this year and scored two goals in a 4-0 friendly win over Macarthur South West United during October.

    Bolt’s trial Down Under failed to materialize into his first professional football contract, but according to TRT World, Sivasspor may be set to offer the speedster a deal for the second half of the European season.

    Sivasspor are currently 11th in Turkey’s top division, having finished seventh last season.

    Bolt would not be the first big name on the club’s books, with former Brazil star Robinho already among the playing staff.

    Other internationals at Sivasspor include Carl Medjani, Arouna Kone, Gabriel Torje and Douglas.

    Whether Bolt would be interested in joining Sivasspor is not yet clear.

    Bolt recently revealed that he had ‘received offers from many clubs’, but hinted that his hopes of landing his dream deal may be fading.

    He added: ‘I will make a decision at the end of November. Either I will continue or I will end my dreams. This is not about money. This is my dream.’

    Should the deal see the light of the day, Bolt may in the course of the season file out against Onazi who was left out in the AFCON qualifier at the FNB Stadium where Super Eagles pulled a draw against Bafana Bafana but still picked a ticket to the 2019 event in Cameroon with a game left against Seychelles in March.

    Onazi plays for Trabzonspor who currently occupy the 10th position on the log just a point above Sivasspor

  • USAIN BOLT SPEAKS ON THRILLING SOCCER DEBUT

    The world’s fastest man was neither good nor did he disgrace himself, but there is a great deal of work to be done.

    “It’s not about Usain Bolt.” Those were the pre-match comments of Central Coast Mariners head coach Mike Mulvey ahead of the game with the Central Coast Select XI on Friday night.

    That message had clearly not been relayed to the Gosford crowd donning masks of the fastest man alive. Or the local newspaper that temporarily renamed itself to the Usain Bolt Express Advocate. Or the television channel that had a dedicated “Bolt watch” in the bottom corner of their coverage. Or the head of the A-League who made the trip especially to see him. It was very much about Usain Bolt.

    From ending his athletics career with a “did not finish”, Bolt began his football one with a “did not start”, wearing the No 95 shirt in a nod to his world-record 9.58-second 100m time, as he took his place on the bench.

    It didn’t stop at the shirt number though, with the Mariners’ lightning-quick opener coming after only 19 seconds – about the time it takes Bolt to run 200m. He had looked nervous in the warm-up but early goals seemed to help settle his usually cool persona.

    The Gosford crowd got their first glimpse of the Jamaican as he was paraded out to warm up with his teammates in front of a crowd that swelled to 9,958 (this time an apparently coincidental reference to his world-record time), high-fiving the few at the front he walked past.

    The Mariners averaged a feeble attendance of 7,194 last season – their lowest ever – and at a time when every A-League side bar two experienced a sharp decline in people coming to watch them than from the previous campaign, Bolt’s potential impact cannot be scoffed at.

    As the chants of “We Want Bolt!” grew and grew, the star attraction finally took his bow in the 70th minute. The introduction of his 6ft 5in frame, decorated with bright orange boots, was the cue for the loudest roar of the night. He was initially deployed on the left wing before moving more centrally.

    The 32-year-old’s first touch was an unfortunate one as an under-hit pass cannoned off the back of his boot. His next, some time after that, came as he dribbled and stumbled his way through three players before laying off the ball. There was a moment when even Bolt’s speed couldn’t nick him a debut goal, arriving a split second too late to score from close range. And then there was his fitness level – after 10 minutes he was sucking down air and he visibly tired towards the end of the match.

    “It was good,” Bolt reflected immediately afterwards. “It was what I expected. I think my fitness is much better than the first week since I came here. Right now I’m just trying to get used to the guys. The players have accepted me, trying to teach me things at training, encouraging me to push myself.”

    Bolt was neither good nor, as Mulvey said diplomatically afterwards, did he disgrace himself. At two weeks into his “indefinite” trial, it is as much as he could have hoped for. Unlike his sprint career, the transition into football will be something that will take time, but is unlikely to be over in a flash either.

  • Bolt happy with triumphant debut for Mariners

    Usain Bolt came off the bench to make his first appearance for Central Coast Mariners in a friendly victory on Friday.

    The sprinting great enjoyed a lively outing in the second half of the A-League side’s 6-1 victory over a Central Coast Select XI.

    Bolt played to the left of the Mariners’ attack and caused some nervy moments for the visiting defence at Central Coast Stadium, with one run and shot forcing the goalkeeper into a decent save.

    The 32-year-old was inches from getting on the scoresheet, as he just failed to connect with a loose ball at the left-hand post with the goal gaping.

    Bolt, who wore the number 95 shirt, admitted he feels short of fitness but expects to be fully ready to contribute to the Mariners’ cause by the end of the year.

    “I was a little bit nervous but as soon as I got on the pitch, the nerves went,” he told Fox Sports.

    “I’ve got to keep pushing myself and I think I’ll be fine. I need probably two months to be properly fit but, in four months, I’ll be one of the guys,” enthused the Jamaican who is a fan of English premier league side Manchester United.

    Goals from Michael McGlinchey, Peter Kekeris, Mario Shabow, Josh McDonald and a double from Jack Clisby sealed the win.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Bolt admits to nerves ahead of Mariners debut

    Eight-time Olympic Gold medallist Usain Bolt has admitted that he is yet to fully get used to the changeable pace of top level football even as prepares to make his official game debut for Central Coast Mariners on Friday.

    Bolt, who played a friendly during a trial with Norwegian side Stromsgodset earlier in the year, admitted he would be nervous as he took another step towards his dream of being a professional footballer.

    “There will be nerves,” the 100m world record holder told reporters.

    “It’s not like it is a charity game anymore, this is a career that I am pursuing.

    “I expect to make mistakes but also to make myself proud and to push myself. I know I am not going to have a perfect game.

    “I have been playing on the left wing so far, that is where I have been placed and what I am working with. I am not used to going up and down in speed, back and forth. I think that is the most challenging thing.

    “It is all about practicing, going through the rounds and pushing myself to try and get used to the system. I have time, so I am going to take my time to learn new ways and continue pushing.”

    Bolt said former Reading midfielder Kalifa Cisse, who played one season in the Premier League with the Royals in 2007-08, had been helping him to prepare for Australian football.

    “He is really explaining to me, and he has been in the Premier League,” Bolt said of the former Mali international.

    “So he has explained the level and he has explained how this league is and how they play here and how he thinks I should play so far.

    “We have been talking a lot and he has been explaining to me a few things. So he has been key so far.”

    It is however apparent that the Jamaican will only be allowed average playing time for now as he has not been properly listed in coach Mike Mulvey squad. Can the 32 year old make a success of the round leather game just like he made on the tracks?  Time no doubt will tell.

     

     

     

  • I want to be treated as a footballer and not as a… – Usain Bolt

    Usain Bolt has vowed to silence his critics after training for A-League outfit Central Coast Mariners for the first time on Tuesday.

    The eight-time Olympic gold medallist is on trial at the Mariners and is bidding to earn a professional contract at the club.

    Having previously trialed at Borussia Dortmund, Mamelodi Sundowns and Stromsgodset, the Jamaican sprint legend attended his first training session with the Australian club in hope of finally making his dream of transitioning into football a reality.

    Bolt took part in a warm-up before undergoing a short passing drill and the 32-year-old, who retired from athletics last year, was pleased with his involvement afterwards.

    ‘I’m not setting myself any targets,’ said Bolt, who touched down in New South Wales on the weekend. ‘I’m just going to put in the work. I don’t know what to expect so I’m just here to push myself, learn as much as possible. For me it’s a blank slate. I’m here to learn and get better, that’s my focus.’

    ‘Today was good, we’re taking it a step at a time, working on fitness, level by level, day by day,’ he added. ‘As long as you get fit in football it’s relatively easy. That’s how I look at it, I don’t know yet.

    ‘I’ve seen as long as you are fit it’s relatively easy with the running. As long as I get my body in shape and get some mileage [into my legs] I should be fine.’

    In terms of his ability on the pitch, Bolt believes his experience of top-level sport will allow him to stay calm in front of goal.

    Most importantly for Bolt, however, who holds the 100-metre world record at 9.58seconds, is that he wants to be viewed as a footballer – not the world’s fastest man.

    ‘I’m very cool under pressure, that’s one thing,’ Bolt added. ‘My ability to understand very quickly and learn the game is very good.

    ‘I’ve expressed that I’m okay on the wing, I’m good at centre forward but at the end of the day he [the coach] will tell me what formation and where I’ll play.

    ‘I don’t want to be treated as the world’s first man, I want to be treated as a footballer because that’s what I want to be. People will say a lot of things about me, but I’ll prove them wrong.’

    Mariners boss Mike Mulvey suggested Bolt might even be ready to make his debut for the club a week Friday when they take on a Central Coast select XI.

    ‘We don’t have to make a decision tomorrow or the next day,’ Mulvey added. ‘We’re absolutely delighted he has chosen our club, this great community in Central Coast, to further his ambition.

    ‘If it takes 12 months, I’m happy for him to be here. He has already brought the biggest media throng to this area. The highlight and spotlight is on Central Coast.

    ‘It’s fantastic and fine with me. Maybe on the 31st, we have a game here, he will be ready for that.’

  • Mo Farah to compete against Usain Bolt

    Mo Farah’s long-awaited duel with Usain Bolt has been confirmed, but not in the sport most of us were hoping.

    The athletics superstars will swap spikes for boots and go head-to-head in a charity football match at Old Trafford in June.

    Farah, who will play for England, cheekily told his Jamaican rival via Twitter: “Remember, it’s a marathon not a sprint”. Bolt will represent Soccer Aid World XI.

    The match (Soccer Aid for UNICEF) takes place just four days before the World Cup gets underway in Russia, with legends from sport and entertainment joining forces to raise money to help vulnerable children around the world.

    Farah and Bolt have previously discussed having an exhibition race over 600 metres, although it has yet to materialise.

    The British four-time Olympic champion ditched the track to pursue a career on the road this season, while eight-time Olympic gold medallist Bolt retired from athletics following the World Championships in London last summer.

     

  • Bolt set for his 1st 90 minutes of football action

    Bolt set for his 1st 90 minutes of football action

     

    Jamaican sprinter and Eight-time Olympic gold medalist Usain Bolt will attempt to pay full 90 minutes of soccer come June 10 at the Old Trafford.

    The die-hard Manchester United fan has never hidden his love for the club and in recent times his desire to switch over to professional football after conquering the tracks at all levels.

    The 31 year old will not only be filing out as one of the 11 players but will captain the Rest of the World team in the renowned Soccer Aid charity match against Robbie Williams’s England.

    An excited Bolt in video announcement said “It’s my dream to make it as a professional footballer. To play against some of football’s biggest legends is going to be remarkable.”Robbie and his England team better watch out as I won’t be going easy on them.”

    Although you could say it is a charity match and not the usual premier league tie you are used to, the outing will however be quiet fulfilling for the Thunder Bolt will of the feelings of playing at old Trafford

    The annual showpiece event brings legendary footballers and celebrities together, and has raised £24m since its inception in 2006.

    Bolt may not be banging in goals for Manchester United just yet, but that doesn’t mean he can’t do it on a mild Sunday afternoon at Old Trafford.  Unless coach of the team decides otherwise Bolt may set eyes on full 90 minutes action on the pitch, a major departure from his faster than light race on tracks.

    Should he eventually score in the encounter, Bolt revealed he has put aside a special celebration to mark the occasion.”I’ve got a pretty special celebration planned for when I score, by the way.  The charity match is coming four days to the kick off of the World Cup in Russia.

    At the 2016 Olympics Bolt claimed the 100metres in 9.81, 200metres in 19.78 and 4 x 100m relay in 37.27

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Bolt looking forward to Borussia Dortmund trial

    Bolt looking forward to Borussia Dortmund trial

     

    Usain Bolt is excited about his trial with Borussia Dortmund in March as the sprinting great looks to pursue a football career.

    An eight-time Olympic champion, the 31-year-old Bolt retired last year after an incredible career that also included 11 world titles.

    Bolt said he was looking forward to his trial with Dortmund before making a decision on whether he had a career in football.

    “That is something that I want to do, as you said I have trials with Borussia Dortmund so that’s something that is on the table,” he said.

    “After the trials, then I can determine if it makes sense to do it or it doesn’t make sense. That’s what the plan is.”

    Although Bolt is looking forward to the trial with Dortmund he has never hidden his love for Manchester United.

    Football was not the only sport that has tickled the Jamaican at one time or the other.The first sport to interest Bolt was cricket, and he said if he was not a sprinter, he would be a fast bowler instead. As a child, he was a supporter of

    the Pakistani cricket team and admired the bowling of Waqar Younis.He is also a fan of Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar, West Indian opener Chris Gayle,and Australian opener Matthew Hayden.

    During a charity cricket match, Bolt clean-bowled Gayle who was complimentary of Bolt’s pace and swing. Bolt also struck a six off Gayle’s bowling. Another bowler complimentary of Bolt’s pace was former West Indies fast-bowling great Curtly Ambrose.

    In 2013, Bolt played basketball in the NBA ‘s All-Star Weekend Celebrity Game. He scored two points from a slam dunk but acknowledged his other basketball skills were lacking.

    In 2016, Bolt said he wished to play as a professional footballer after retiring from athletics. He reiterated his desire to play for Manchester United if given a chance and added, “For me, if I could get to play for Manchester United that would be like a dream come true. Yes, that would be epic”.

    Dortmund have battled in the Bundesliga this season, sitting sixth in the table and 19 points behind leader Bayern Munich.

    Bolt’s personal best of 9.58 seconds in 2009 in the 100 metres is the fastest ever run.[282] Bolt also holds the second fastest time of 9.63 seconds,[81] the current Olympic record,[83] and set two previous world records in the event. Bolt’s personal best of 19.19 s in the 200 metres is the world record. This was recorded at the 2009 World Championships in Athletics in Berlin against a headwind of −0.3 m/s. This performance broke his previous world record in the event, his 19.30 s clocking in winning the 2008 Olympic 200 metres title.