As the Paris 2024 Games draw near, Usain Bolt is still sure that his 2008 Olympic gold medal-winning 100-meter sprint record will endure over time. As far as preserving his legacy in the sport is concerned, the legendary Jamaican sprinter feels that his unmatched accomplishment is unlikely to be topped anytime soon.
At the 2009 World Championships, Usain Bolt famously broke the 100-metre world mark by cutting his pace from 9.69 seconds to 9.58 seconds.
Bolt is still optimistic that his record will hold for some time. The 37-year-old stated in an interview with talkSPORT Drive that he doesn’t think anyone will match his accomplishments soon.
“I’ve not yet seen the talent to get there,” Bolt told talksport.com, giving an interview ahead of Soccer Aid on June 9 at Stamford Bridge, London, where he will be part of the World XI team playing against an England XI.
A new generation is watching Bolt’s record before Paris 2024
Tyson Gay and Yohan Blake, who ran an amazing 9.69 seconds in 2009 and 2012, respectively, have come closest to breaking Usain Bolt’s storied 100-metre record. Marcel Jacobs thrilled the Tokyo 2020 Olympics track by winning the gold medal in an incredible time of 9.80 seconds. But Bolt’s record still stands.
A new generation of stars is keen to beat the record set by the famous Usain Bolt as the world turns its attention to Paris 2024 this summer. The current world champion sprinter from America, Noah Lyles, is leading the effort. He has publicly stated his goal to surpass Bolt by taking home four gold medals in a single Olympic Games.
Commenting on Lyles, Bolt said: “The other guys are afraid of him and are entering the room. Not that he’s worried. He declared, “I’m going to beat you.” That being said, the other guys are concerned.”
“He’s good, but not quite that good at this level yet. Over time, I believe he will improve. It is, therefore, absurd that he is suddenly winning.” Bolt told talksport.com
About himself, he said: “I felt my coach was insane when he initially told me. I’m not like that; I never trained at full capacity all year round. I needed to take pauses, enjoy myself, and then get back to track and field. Though my coach detested it, he recognized that I was a human being and needed time off. In the end, we were able to come to an arrangement that let me balance the demands of the sport with my desire for rest.”