Usain Bolt has listed getting to go to Manchester United games for free as one of the biggest benefits he has enjoyed since cementing legendary status.
Jamaican sprint legend Usain Bolt, revered as the world's fastest man ever in history, has shared his thoughts on the highs and lows of global fame.
Reflecting on his extraordinary career and life post-retirement on an episode of High Performance, Bolt highlighted one particular aspect of fame that he appreciates most.
"I think one of the biggest things is access," he said. "I like that I get to go to all them United games. You get to enjoy that. You call and get to games and restaurants and all this."
Bolt who is a huge of fan of English club Manchester United has revealed that he takes advantage of his access privilege to enjoy the Red Devils football games.
Bolt’s journey to stardom began in 2008 during the Beijing Olympics, where, at just 21 years old, he stunned the world with record-breaking victories in both the 100m and 200m sprints.
12:15 - 22.11.2024
'I was like what's happening' - Usain Bolt opens up on overwhelming fame after his 2008 Olympics triumph
Bolt's 2008 Olympic triumph in Beijing propelled the Jamaican sprinter to new heights of global fame.
His electrifying performances, clocking 9.69 seconds and 19.30 seconds respectively, not only shattered records but also established him as an iconic figure in athletics.
Over the next two Olympic Games in London 2012 and Rio 2016, Bolt solidified his legendary status by winning six more gold medals.
By the time of his retirement in 2017, his multiple world titles and famous 9.58 world record in the 100m that still stands had cemented his place as a symbol of speed and track excellence, beloved worldwide.
Despite the privileges his fame affords, Bolt admitted it comes with its challenges, particularly when it comes to privacy.
“Your personal life and everything is in the media. You don't get to enjoy dinner as you want or just take the kids out,” he shared.
“I have kids now and you can't just go to the park or any parks. You have to be careful.”
Over the years, Bolt has however learned to navigate these challenges. “You kind of learn how to move around and what you can do or what you cannot do. And so, I'm kind of used to it now. But at the start, it was difficult trying to figure out and maneuver,” he added.
For the sprint icon, fame is a balancing act of give and take. While it provides unparalleled access to experiences and opportunities, it also demands sacrifices in personal freedom, a trade-off he has come to accept over time.