Usain Bolt has acknowledged that he is facing difficulties in ascending stairs without feeling breathless as he transitions into retired life. The renowned Jamaican athlete, who holds the title of the fastest human ever, achieved a remarkable Olympic legacy.
Bolt gained recognition in 2008 at the Beijing Olympics and proceeded to excel on the track, clinching eight Olympic gold medals and 11 world titles. Despite retiring in 2017, the 39-year-old still holds the world record for the 100m sprint at 9.58 seconds.
Following the conclusion of his career, Bolt has been grappling with a torn Achilles tendon, impacting his daily routine. While not known for his endurance as a sprinter, the extent of his current struggle with cardiovascular fitness is notable.
In an interview with The Guardian, Bolt revealed his current focus on gym workouts due to feeling out of breath while climbing stairs. He plans to reintegrate running into his routine to improve his breathing.
Apart from his 100m world record, Bolt also set world records for the 200m sprint in 19.19 seconds and the 4x100m relay in 36.84 seconds during his prime. He competed against and outperformed athletes like Yohan Blake, Asafa Powell, and Justin Gatlin in a remarkable era.
Bolt emphasized the talent of his generation compared to the present, citing faster times achieved in women’s events. He highlighted the importance of authenticity and engagement for track and field athletes to connect with fans effectively.
Currently, no one has surpassed the 9.70 mark since the Lausanne Diamond League following the 2012 London Olympics. The reigning Olympic 100m champion, Noah Lyles, aims to break Bolt’s 200m record.
Throughout his career, Bolt remained a prominent figure known for his charisma and desire for authenticity in sports. He encourages athletes to have a good time and be genuine to create meaningful connections with their audience.