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Usain Bolt credits his triple gold at the 2012 London Olympics to a mentality stemming from having a target on his back.
Eight-time Olympic champion Usain Bolt has opened up about his passion for competition, revealing how it fueled his drive leading up to the historic 2012 London Olympics.
In a candid interview with High Performance the sprinting legend shared how carrying the weight of expectations and being the athlete to beat only motivated him further.
“I loved it,” Bolt said, reflecting on the pressure of being the target at the London Games.
“My biggest thing about me is that I live to compete. I want to compete against the best all the time.”
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18:50 - 26.11.2024
'They jeered me for limping away'-Usain Bolt reflects on harsh criticism from his own country
Nine years ago, Usain Bolt revealed the emotional toll of harsh criticism from Jamaican fans during his early career struggles.
At the 2012 Olympics, Bolt cemented his place in history by claiming three gold medals in the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay events, solidifying his status as one of the greatest athletes of all time.
However, Bolt revealed that his competitive spirit occasionally wavered when the stakes weren’t as high.
He recalled one such moment during the 2013 World Championships in Moscow. Despite rigorous training and preparation, Bolt admitted that his motivation dipped when several top contenders withdrew from the competition due to injuries, doping violations, and other reasons.
“I remember in 2013, I was working hard, training hard. We were going to the World Championships in Russia, and a few of the top athletes started dropping out with injuries, drug issues, and other things. The fact that everybody wasn’t going to be there in the moment kind of, I didn’t feel that drive because I knew that even if I won, the best in the world weren’t there.”
For Bolt, the thrill of racing comes from proving his superiority against the strongest opponents.
“I live to compete, so I don’t mind being chased. It was fun for me to prove to you or prove to anybody that, listen, I’m the best,” he said.
Even in retirement, Bolt admitted that his competitive nature remains undiminished.
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14:45 - 25.11.2024
'I get to go to all the United games'- Usain Bolt on the privilidges he enjoys to date since claiming global fame
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.
“I’m so competitive even now that I’m retired. I won’t play a game if I’m going to lose,” he joked, emphasizing that his desire to win transcends the track.
Bolt’s reflections underline what made him a global icon in athletics with his legacy continuing to inspire athletes and fans worldwide.
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