At London 2012, Usain Bolt was on a mission to become a track and field legend. In Rio, he wouldn’t mind turning immortal. After winning the Olympic 100M gold, the 29-year-old Jamaican described what his new quest would be. “Someone said I can become immortal. Two more medals to go, and I can sign off as immortal.”
Bolt said despite a hamstring injury in June, he was in better shape than he was last year. “I came to prove that I am the greatest and that is what I did,” he said as the world’s media ate out of his hands post the final. Excerpts from his press conference:
On the final: The start was not as good as I would have liked it to be but I told myself, don’t panic, take your time.’ I knew Gatlin was going to have a good start but I told myself to chip away the lead. After the semifinals, I was confident I could win this one. And after 50 metres, I felt great and I could tell I was going to catch him.
On his rivalry with Gatlin and the American being booed by the crowd: He always pushes me to run fast. He makes you be at your best at all times. But I was shocked that he was booed by the crowd. It is the first time that has happened.
On his seventh Olympic gold medal: I never knew how nervous I was until the race started. I could tell in my mind that it was important and I had to get it done. It was important because no one has ever done it before or even attempted it.
On having fun: I think the crowd loves the energy. Sport is looking for people with energy. That is what gets them going. They like to be part of the competition. Not so much just watching it. So for me, I try to live in the moment.
On whether he had doubts about his win: I never doubt myself. After last season, I was even more confident about this season, because last season I was struggling. On whether the kids could be like him: It is going to be hard to be exactly like me but the possibility of working hard and being the best is there. It is all about determination and I feel that if you work towards your goal, you will always accomplish what you dream.
On the 200M world record: I really want to break the 200M record. After the semifinals, if I can get a good night’s rest, there is the possibility that I could. I am going to go out there and leave it all on the track. I am going to run as hard as possible and try to execute as best as I can. The record, that is what I want.
On the possibility of him breaking the 400M record: If it was up to my coach, I would be running the 400M now. I’ve always bobbed and weaved and tried ways not to run the 400. But he’s always said I could break the record because I have the speed and the stamina.
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