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Bolt's 2008 Olympic triumph in Beijing propelled the Jamaican sprinter to new heights of global fame.
Jamaican sprint legend Usain Bolt has candidly shared his experience of navigating newfound global fame after his record-breaking performances at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
At just 21 years old, Bolt solidified his place in history with dazzling victories in both the 100m and 200m events, lowering the world records to 9.69 seconds and 19.30 seconds, respectively.
Reflecting on the whirlwind aftermath of his triumphs on an episode of High Performance, Bolt admitted feeling overwhelmed by the attention that followed.
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07:30 - 20.11.2024
'People were running close to me in my head' - Usain Bolt reveals weird reason that led to a false start at the 2011 World championships
The legendary Jamaican sprinter saw his season go from bad to worse after being disqualified in the 100m, an occurrence that remains vivid in his mind
“At the Olympics, we stayed in a village with athletes from all sports. Before the 100m final, I could walk into the dining hall, have my food, chat with friends, and just move around freely,” he recalled.
“The day after the 100m final, everything changed. I walked into the dining hall, and everyone just stopped. People wanted pictures, they wanted to touch me, it was surreal. I had no idea what was happening.”
The intensity of the newfound adoration was so overwhelming that Bolt relied on fellow athletes to shield him from the chaos.
“My shot-put and distance guys acted as my security guards to get me out of the dining room. It was mind-blowing. I’m from the countryside in Jamaica, where everyone knew me, but this was a global level of fame I wasn’t prepared for,” he said.
While the spotlight brought exciting opportunities, it also came with challenges.
“At first, it wasn’t fun. There’s no peace; you can’t go outside without being mobbed by people wanting pictures or a moment with you,” Bolt said.
Over time, however, he learned to navigate his new reality.
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07:05 - 21.11.2024
'When adults do it'- Usain Bolt reveals unnecessary request that frustrates him the most from fans
Jamaican sprint great Usain Bolt has opened up on one request from fans that gets him annoyed.
“It was hard at the start, but eventually, I figured out how to deal with it and enjoy certain aspects of the fame.”
Bolt’s Beijing triumph was just the beginning of an illustrious Olympic career as he went on to win six more gold medals at the 2012 London and 2016 Rio Olympics, cementing his legacy as a global icon and one of the greatest sprinters in history.
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