'I felt weird asking about his past'-  Usain Bolt explains why meeting Michael Jordan left him starstruck

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'I felt weird asking about his past'- Usain Bolt explains why meeting Michael Jordan left him starstruck

Festus Chuma 19:00 - 16.10.2024

Usain Bolt recalls feeling starstruck and "weird" when meeting NBA legend Michael Jordan during Super Bowl XLIX.

Multiple Olympic champion Usain Bolt has rubbed shoulders with some of the most famous athletes and celebrities in the world.

However, there was one encounter that even left the world’s fastest man feeling starstruck—his first meeting with NBA legend Michael Jordan.

The chance meeting took place in 2015 at Super Bowl XLIX, when the New England Patriots faced off against the Seattle Seahawks in a thrilling contest.

Bolt, an avid sports fan and one of many celebrity attendees at the event, had long admired Jordan from afar. But when the time came to approach the six-time NBA champion, Bolt found himself a little lost for words.

"I just wanted a picture," Bolt recalled when reflecting on the moment he first met the basketball legend as per SportBible.

"You hear about Michael Jordan, and you see some of his films and stuff over the years. It was great to meet him and get a word in."

The two giants of sport had much in common, from their towering physical presences to their unparalleled dominance in their respective fields.

Yet, Bolt admitted that despite his own status as a global superstar, meeting Jordan felt different. The sprinter explained that he hesitated to ask Jordan about his illustrious basketball career, feeling somewhat awkward about bringing up the past.

"It felt weird asking him about the past and stuff like that," Bolt explained.

"So I just talked a little bit about basketball. Not when he used to play, but just random games and stuff."

For a man who had become known for his playful demeanor, confidence, and electrifying presence on the track, it was an unusual experience to be so reserved in conversation.

Bolt’s admiration for Jordan, however, transcended the basketball court, with the sprinter noting that Jordan's influence was far-reaching, even into the world of track and field.

The Super Bowl itself that year was a memorable affair, as Tom Brady led the Patriots to a 28-24 victory with a dramatic 14-point comeback in the fourth quarter.

Brady, widely considered the greatest quarterback in NFL history, earned his fourth Super Bowl ring and was named the game's MVP after throwing four touchdown passes.

It was a night of sporting greatness on multiple fronts, but for Bolt, the real highlight came off the field, in that brief interaction with Jordan.

Reflecting on the experience later, Bolt was quick to downplay any nerves he might have felt, instead focusing on the sheer joy of meeting one of his childhood idols.

"It was just cool to meet him. I didn't try to question him too much, but it was great to get the chance to talk for a bit."

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