The fastest man alive, Usain Bolt, aims to defend his three Olympic titles as he keeps a low profile. The Jamaican sprinter is perhaps considered the most solicited Olympic athlete.
Bolt was not present at Jamaica’s welcoming ceremony. He has tried to focus his mind entirely into defending the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay titles that he already secured in Beijing 2008 and London 2012. Reportedly, Bolt and the Jamaican team have been training at a Navy Physical Education Center. Many argue that Bolt’s most significant rival is U.S.A.’s Justin Gatlin, who has not been severely injured and whose nation has secured 16 gold medals in the Rio Olympics.
Bolt prepares to make history, again
If Bolt manages to hold his record and win gold in all three events, he will be known as the greatest sprinter in history. Jamaican Yohan Blake will also be competing at Rio, even when he has had to fend off injuries. Blake has not participated in competitions since 2014, which puts him at a slight disadvantage.
Gatlin has run 100 meters in 9.8 seconds, while Blake is known for achieving the race in 9.69 seconds. Usain Bolt, on the other hand, broke the world record in Berlin with 9.58 seconds, only 9 cents of a second above his fellow team member.
A fan-favorite, 29-year-old Usain ‘Lighting’ Bolt has already stated that these will be his last Olympic Games. He is an Olympian with a liking for taking pictures with fans and sharing moments with children.
Recently, he posted a photo on his Instagram page posing with his signature pose, alongside dozens of kids from the favelas located in the proximity of the Navy Physical Education Centre in the outskirts of Penha.
Bolt stated that the children come from Rio’s most dangerous communities and that they are the country’s future. He was happy meeting them before being relocated alongside the Jamaican team to the Olympic Village last Wednesday.
Concerning the possibility of earning a triple-triple, Bolt stated: “That’s one of the reasons I’m so excited. It’s going to be a big goal for me.”
Bolt has encouraged fans to go and buy tickets to watch him make history as the only “triple-triple” sprint gold medalist in the Olympics. Bolt has already stated that he is mainly focused in the 200m event.
He also commented that he will turn 30 on the day of the Rio closing ceremony. He also intends to run in the World Championships to be held in London in 2017. There, he will only participate in the 100m race.
Bolt is currently preparing at the Olympic Village. He has made very reduced public appearances and has not been seen in the communal areas. He reportedly has treated the village’s staff with respect and good humor, something that characterizes the Jamaican athlete.
You can follow Usain Bolt on Instagram and Twitter to keep in touch with the athlete’s latest updates.
Source: Rio 2016