NEW DELHI: After eight years away from the Olympics,
Usain Bolt
will return.
Competitors need not fear, though, as the fastest man in the world will be in Paris just to observe the action and celebrate his incredible records, which he feels are "not under threat" for the foreseeable future.
Speaking over the phone with PTI from New York, where he is presently serving as ambassador for the ICC T20 World Cup starting next month,
Bolt
discussed life after retirement, his constant need to compete-especially when he watches his sport-and his hope to visit India at some point in the future.
His incredible times of 9.58 seconds for the 100 meters and 19.19 seconds for the 200 meters in the
Berlin World Championships
in 2009 have not been surpassed.
"Well, for me, I don't think so. Not right now. I think there's a long way to go. You understand, I don't see anybody really break the record. So I think I still have a few more years to go (laughs)," said Bolt, the only sprinter to have won both the 100m and 200m gold medals in three consecutive Olympics..
"No, I don't think the world record will be under threat. For me, I'm watching what's going on now when it comes to the race, it's picking up a few times," he added.
This season, five sprinters have broken the 10-second barrier, including Christian Miller and Kendal Williams of the USA (both 9.93), although Bolt's time is still far off. Kenneth Bednarek of the USA established the season's fastest 200-meter time with a timing of 19.67.
"A few of them have run under 10 seconds. So I'm just observing now. I think by July we'll see who will be out in front and we can definitely see where the race will go. But for now, we're still just watching and see. The leads are progressing," said Jamaican, who has been nicknamed 'Lightening Bolt'.
Although Bolt is now a family man and travels the world for his numerous business responsibilities, he occasionally misses the rush of adrenaline that comes from sprinting.
"Definitely, you know, it's been good. I can't complain," he said when asked about life after retirement.
"I try to stay busy. I have a family now so I try to... figure out the time and stay home sometimes, spend some time with the family. But I do miss competition, especially when I watch it.
"I know I'm going to be itching when I get to the Olympics this year. For me, that should be interesting. I'm also excited to be there first time to actually watch a championship. So that should be good," said the Olympic legend.
Bolt is eager to follow the exploits of India's record-breaking javelin thrower
Neeraj Chopra
, who made history in Tokyo by becoming the first Indian to win an Olympic gold in
athletics
, among a plethora of track and field talents in Paris.
Bolt recalls that historic occasion in Indian
sports
as well.
"Of course, of course," responded Bolt when asked if he was aware of Chopra and his stellar achievements.
"When I saw that, the first thing I said, it must have been really exciting for him. So that's a big, big deal for a country. To win the Olympic gold medal, you know what I mean?
"He must have been proud of the work that he put in. Because I understand the effort and the time it takes to really work hard and to dedicate to your craft," he said.
Bolt intends to go back to India soon after his last trip there over ten years ago.
"I know I have a lot of Indian fans and I get a lot of tags (on social media) so I just want to say thanks for the support. I look forward to coming there again in the near future.
"I've not been there in a while. So I'm excited to get a chance to come there and spend a lot more time than just a few days. So thanks for everything and just all love," added the legendary sprinter.
(With PTI inputs)
English (US) ·