Catching up with the World’s Fastest Man
USAIN BOLT

Along with millions, I’m sure you’ve witnessed his record-breaking performances, his antics on the track, that wide joyful smile, that trademark dance. With those long, agile legs, puma stamped on his chest and a name like Bolt, how can he not be fast? Thank goodness we were not expected to lace up and keep up with him round the track for this interview, because I don’t have to tell you what the outcome would have been. Thankfully, the fastest man has a little downtime and that’s the only way we were able to catch up with him. At the starting block. Ready. Set….

CB: To achieve what you have, one can only imagine the level of work. What does your training regime look like on a typical day?

UB: I usually do gym in the morning, go home and rest in the afternoon and then do running training in the evening.

CB: You’ve been running competitively since your early teens, what was the turning point in your career?

UB: I think the turning point was in the 2007 World Championships in Osaka where I finished 2nd in the 200m. I saw then that with more work I could be number one in the future.

CB: Speaking of being number one, you are known for saying, “My aim is to become a legend.” How will you know when you have achieved this status?

UB: I feel like I’m on my way to becoming a legend but there are more things I want to accomplish, like competing and winning at least two more World Championships and one more Olympic Games.

CB: You are surely on your way. At Beijing you dominated both the 100 and 200m, but the 200m is known to be your favorite. Why is that?

UB: I have been running the 200m since the start and I have put years of work into it.

CB: Every time you win, we look forward to your signature “lightning bolt” winning pose? How and when did it start?

UB: I had a bet with a friend who is a dancer in Jamaica that if I won in Beijing that I would do a dance. I adapted a Jamaican dance and people seemed to like it, so it became my trademark.

CB: You started off in cricket and you were known to be a great fast bowler, do you see any future there? Any plans on rescuing the West Indies cricket team?

UB: I don’t think so but I still enjoy watching cricket.

CB: Many athletes move away from the Caribbean when they realize success. Why have you not done the same?

UB: I love Jamaica and will always live here.

CB: With success comes much criticism, and you’ve had your share of both. How would you respond to those who say that because you’re 6 ft 5 inches you’re better suited for the 400m?

UB: Most people think my height is a disadvantage for the 100m, especially at the start. I can’t change my height so I work with what I’ve got.

CB: What about those who say that no man can be as fast as you are without performance enhancing drugs?

UB: People who watched my career since I was young saw that I was born with a lot of talent. I have been tested many times and I am happy to be tested to show people that I am clean.

CB: Some say that you’re relying on natural talent and not putting enough work in. How would you respond to that?

UB: It is not possible to run as fast as I do without a lot of hard work.

CB: And finally, there was much talk when you slowed down at the end of the 100m in Beijing. What is your answer to those who say that you should not have done that?

UB: [Simlpy] I was happy to win the gold medal.

CB: Enough profoundness, onto lighter stuff since you do seem to be such a fun loving person. Who are your favorite celebrities?

UB: I like Jamaican artiste, Vybz Cartel and internationally I like Beyonce.

CB: Do you really eat only chicken nuggets and fast food?

UB: I am guilty that way. I also eat pork; it is my favourite meal. I do eat other cooked meals. The Jamaican cuisine offers a lot of variety that I enjoy.

CB: Does the philosophy work hard, play hard apply to you? How do you unwind off the track?

UB: Yes it does. I tend to listen to a lot of music and play video games while I hang out with my friends.

CB: You always seem so full of life. What gets you down?

UB: I am a happy person. (smiles)

- Pilaiye Cenac