)
Bolt has recounted feeling nervous before his historic 2008 Olympics despite breaking the 100m world record months earlier.
Jamaican sprint legend Usain Bolt has become synonymous with Olympic greatness but even the fastest man in history was not immune to pre-race nerves.
The 38-year-old former sprinter recently shared insights into his mindset leading up to the 2008 Beijing Olympics, a defining moment in his illustrious career.
)
13:00 - 25.11.2024
British sprint icon Linford Christie on why modern sprinters like Noah Lyles, Kishane Thompson & Co have It 'easier' than past generations
American sprint legend Maurice Greene remains steadfast on his stance over modern sprinters, believing they have it so much 'easier' chances to dominate sprinting nowadays compared to his era.
In an episode of the High Performance Podcast, Bolt revealed that despite breaking the 100m world record just months before the event, he was far from immune to the pressure of performing on the world’s biggest stage.
"I was like you know what, let me do exactly what the coach says, and let's see how it works out, and the moment throughout the whole season, I was running very well. I actually broke the world record before I actually go to the [Beijing] Olympics, so I could see it before it actually happened," Bolt explained.
While the record-breaking performances hinted at greatness, Bolt admitted he felt a mix of excitement and nerves heading into his second Olympic appearance.
)
10:40 - 24.11.2024
'I’m here because of her'- Kenny Bednarek pens note on overcoming adversity having been raised as an adopted child
Kenny Bednarek has shared a heartfelt tribute to his adoptive mother highlighting the transformative impact of adoption on his life.
After a disappointing debut at the 2004 Athens Olympics where he left without a medal, Bolt knew he was in prime form but understood the stakes were higher this time around.
"So for me it was just excitement. I was excited to go to the Olympics because I knew I was in good shape, I was running good. I was still nervous because this was my first like major thing now, and I was in great shape, you know what I mean," Bolt shared.
The pressure did not hold him back as Bolt dominated the Beijing Olympics, capturing gold in the 100m and 200m events while smashing world records with awe-inspiring performances.
)
18:00 - 23.11.2024
'This isn’t the Jamaica I know’- Usain Bolt speaks out on Olympic disappointment and life beyond the track
Legendary Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt has revealed his Olympic heartbreak, a surprising retirement hobby and a quirky pre-race superstition.
During his 100m final at the Beijing Olympics, Bolt famously celebrated even before crossing the finish line, a moment that sparked both admiration and criticism. Some labeled his actions as "disrespectful."
"When I got to the senior level, it didn't change. But people were like, 'What are you doing?', because everybody was serious, I was like, 'Yo, I'm just being myself.' Because I remember when I celebrated, when I won, people came to me and were like me 'Oh, you're disrespectful,'” Bolt recalled.
Seeking clarity, he turned to fellow athletes for their perspective.
"I went to that actual athletes, the athletes I knew, and I asked them, 'Was I disrespectful?' They said 'No, if we were winning by that far, we would be doing the same thing!'"
Bolt’s success in Beijing was only the beginning of a storied Olympic career.
)
18:09 - 26.11.2024
‘Is this real life?’ - Tara Davis-Woodhall in disbelief over husband Hunter Woodhall after admitting to being ‘reckless’ with him
Olympics long jump champion Tara Davis-Woodhall was left gushing over her Paralympics star husband Hunter Woodhall, terming him ‘perfect specimen’ in her latest post.
He won eight Olympic medals across three Games cementing his legacy as one of the greatest athletes of all time.
However, one of those medals, a gold from the 4x100m relay in Beijing, was later stripped after teammate Nesta Carter tested positive for doping in 2017.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)