Usain Bolt, serving as ambassador for World Athletics’ new “Ultimate Championship” in Budapest this Friday through Sunday, predicted that modern track surfaces and advanced footwear would have pushed his own times even lower. The Jamaican legend, who holds world records in both the 100 and 200 meters, turned 40 recently and assessed the current state of international athletics in an interview with La Gazzetta.
Bolt Projects Faster Times With Modern Technology
Reflecting on today’s equipment, Bolt stated that “he would have run somewhat faster than 9.40 in the 100 meters. And in the 200 meters perhaps under 19, a mark I really would have liked to achieve”.
Events Beyond the Sprints Capture His Attention
While his legacy rests on the shortest races, Bolt revealed a broader fascination with the sport. He highlighted that “apart from my distances, I always passionately follow the 800 meters, which are now almost a sprint race, and the 110-meter hurdles. Then I think the javelin throw should be valued more, since its protagonists are true phenomena”.
“Except for my distances, I always follow the 800 meters with passion, which is now almost a sprint race”
Usain Bolt
Rivals Past and Present
Asked which athletes from history he would have liked to face, Bolt named “Maurice Greene, because he was a showman, and Michael Johnson, because he dominated”. Regarding current competitors, he diplomatically selected a few compatriots: “there are so many, and not to offend anyone, I will mention some of my compatriot sprinters: Oblique Seville, world champion in the 100 meters, and the twins Tia and Tina Clayton”.
Records Safe for Now, But Family Looms
On the longevity of his 9.58-second 100m and 19.19-second 200m marks, Bolt remained confident: “Will my records be broken? Not soon, I don’t see anyone capable. But I have two children…” He reiterated the stance later, saying “Not soon, I don’t see anyone capable. But I have two children…”
When asked about his legendary status, he emphasized that “it means being on the same level as champions like Muhammad Ali and Pelé: an extraordinary effect”.
Advice to His Younger Self
Bolt acknowledged a career regret, advising his younger self to work harder: “I was wrong to think that talent was enough. If I had believed that, my first Olympic Games, Athens 2004, would have been different”.
Robot Racing Fails to Impress
The sprint icon dismissed exhibition races against machines, calling them “Fun, but they didn’t excite me too much.”
