Ostrava (Czech Republic): Jamaican sprint star Usain Bolt has said that this ‘emotional’ season will indeed be his last, bringing the curtain down on a glittering career which gave a new boost of life to track and field at a time of doping and corruption scandals.
Bolt has won eight Olympic and 11 World Championship gold medals in his career, but importantly was the outgoing, larger-than-life personality on whom athletics administrators could rely for a positive slant, an athlete widely recognised globally.
Asked whether he might carry on after this season, Bolt said Monday night: “No, I don’t think so! It’s been a great career, I’ve really enjoyed the ups and downs, all the experience I’ve gathered, all I’ve been through, the happiness and the sadness.
“It’s been a wonderful career and I’ve done everything I’ve wanted to do and it’s coming to an end and I’m fine with it,” added the Jamaican.
Speaking ahead of Wednesday’s IAAF World Challenge meet here, the legendary sprinter admitted that the season was an emotional one.
It started with a home swansong in Kingston before attending the event here followed by the Diamond League meet in Monaco in July and the World Athletics Championships in London.
“It’s an emotional season. I’m looking forward to going out there and putting on a show for the fans for the last time because they look forward to it,” said Bolt.
“Right now personally, I’m just focused on getting through the season. I just like entertaining the crowd. I definitely want to try and enjoy every minute of it. The fact that I know it’s that last time it will be emotional, just seeing it and feeling, being around people and athletes, sitting in the meal room around everybody, joking and laughing about old times, it’ll be emotional,” he added.
Bolt, 30, confirmed that he would not be competing in the 200m in London, but left the door open to a further finale being added to his programme.
“For sure I won’t be running the 200m at the Worlds. People keep asking, but no,” he emphatically said.
“But yes me and my coach (Glen Mills) we are discussing whether London will be my last event or there can be another one. We haven’t decided on it yet,” the Jamaican added. “But I am not losing sleep over it. I am focused on the Worlds now in London, nothing else.”