9.58 and 19.19 seconds: astute track and field fans remember these numbers well. They know the legend behind them, don’t they? The first was set at the IAAF World Championships during its 2009 edition in Berlin. Credit goes to Usain Bolt, the Jamaican legend. Under the August sky in the German metropolis, he clocked that time in the men’s 100m final. Since then, no one has touched this feat. However, shaving a few fractions off his previous record in the 100m wasn’t enough to satisfy Bolt’s fire—he wasn’t finished yet.
A few days later, Bolt returned to the same track to compete in the men’s 200m final. Once again, he shaved 0.11 seconds off his previous world record, setting a new one at 19.19 seconds—a record that still stands. Later, he displayed unprecedented success at both the Olympic and World Championship levels, winning titles with ease. But there was a price he paid for these accomplishments, beyond his grueling training regime. What was it? Let’s explore.
Usain Bolt speaks on the dark side that came chasing his achievements
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
In his 13-year professional career, Usain Bolt grabbed 29 global laurels. Add his multiple world records, and the Jamaican’s resume exemplifies what it means to be the best in his field. Along with fame, he enjoyed the thrill of immense popularity among his fans. This fandom often motivated him to push his limits and elevate his performance. But did it remain the same throughout those 13 years? No, it didn’t. According to the former Olympian, he experienced both sides of boundless fan devotion. Despite that, he made an effort to endure those circumstances during his period and had some success in the endeavor. In a podcast with Jake Humphrey and Damian Hughes, Usain shared a few more things on this. He said, “I think I kind of learned this [the process of coping with the fandom] on my own, I think because I started very young and Jamaican fans are very demanding.” But how did Jamaican fans teach him how to prepare for the demands of fans?
via Imago August 6th 2017, London Stadium, East London, England; IAAF World Championships; Day 3; Usain Bolt of Jamaica receives the Bronze medal for finishing 3rd in the Men s 100 metres final in his last competitive singles 100m xJohnxPatrickxFletcherx PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxHUNxSWExNORxDENxFINxONLY ActionPlus11912592
The 38-year-old athlete had his answer ready under his sleeve. Per him, throughout the years, the Jamaican fans have been remaining demanding. They prefer to keep the local athletes on their toes. And Bolt had to face the same fate. He had his flowers from his countrymen after each of his successes on the track. But he had to hear “boos” from the same fans after his losses. Furthermore, his movement in public spaces ended up being limited because of fans chasing him every time. Those contrasting reactions were enough to break a young athlete’s confidence. But he couldn’t let those things happen. Therefore, to avoid the matter, Bolt had a trick.
In the podcast, Usain revealed the trick by claiming, “I figured out that I had to do this for myself first.” Early in his career, Bolt focused on representing his country first, striving to win races for Jamaica at global championships. Later, however, his focus shifted to personal achievements, with his pursuit of victory becoming more self-driven. This change in perspective presented challenges for Bolt. But did his immense fandom become a burden for the eight-time Olympic champion? Not exactly.
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
The last dance of the legend saw him breaking down in front of his fans
After years at the top, Usain Bolt has learned how to handle his fans’ expectations. He’s become accustomed to this aspect of his life. Yet, there was one moment when a packed stadium moved him to tears: his final race, the 2017 ‘Salute a Legend’ event in Kingston.
Before the race, Bolt had already announced his retirement from professional competition. However, his fitness wasn’t fully aligned with his peak form, as he was dealing with some hamstring issues. Nonetheless, he decided to go ahead with the race. His decision drew notable figures, including then-Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness and IAAF (now World Athletics) Chairman Sebastian Coe, to the National Stadium to watch him run one last time. After all, they were among Bolt’s many fans.
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
However, Bolt took 10.03 seconds to wrap up his final 100m race. Meanwhile, the fans danced and sang in the stands, honoring him. That behavior touched him deeply. In the post-race ceremony, Bolt couldn’t keep his eyes unbothered by tears. With a heavy voice, he said, “Just the atmosphere and the people, the support they came out and gave me, it was really nerve-racking. I never expected this, I knew it was going to be big, the stadium was ram-packed so thank you guys for coming out and supporting me.” That dropped the curtain over his illustrious career with a fitting ovation. Did Usain Bolt use any tricks to withstand the emotions that day? What do you think?
Despite Being World’s Fastest, Usain Bolt Reminisces Constant Struggle of Track and Field Career: “Learned This on My Own”
- Advertisment - 
Recent Comments
on David and Victoria Beckham so ‘Charmed’ by Tom Cruise They Have His Photos on Display at Their Home
on Boston College vs. Army live stream, how to watch online, CBS Sports Network channel finder, odds
on Big Tech companies will cover travel expenses for employees’ medical procedures, including abortion
on Russian cruise and ballistic missiles kill 4 in Ukraine and Ukrainian rockets kill 2 in Russian city
on A weaker dollar, skyrocketing prices and ‘record’ visitor numbers: Good luck in Europe this summer
on GameFly Sale Offering Nintendo Switch Sports at a Mind-Blowing Price, Don’t Miss the Opportunity!
on Ford Blue Cruise: US regulators investigate fatal crashes involving hands-free driving technology
on San Mateo County Community College District sues five companies over role in ‘pay to play’ scandal
on 2024 Super Bowl: CBS Sports Network and CBS Sports HQ to combine for 115 hours of weeklong coverage
on Despite strong Lunar New Year holiday data, consumer spending in China isn’t roaring back just yet
on 2023 NFL All-Rookie Team: CBS Sports draft expert, former GM unveil league’s best first-year players
on Devout athletes find strength in their faith. But practicing it and elite sports can pose hurdles
on The Rev. Al Sharpton to lead protest after Florida governor’s ban of African American studies course
on After UFC Fallout, Conor McGregor Offers a Valuable Piece of Advice to Free Agent Francis Ngannou
on CONCEPT ART: New Details Revealed for Disney Cruise Line Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Destination
on Saipan, placid island setting for Assange’s last battle, is briefly mobbed – and bemused by the fuss
on CONCEPT ART: New Details Revealed for Disney Cruise Line Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Destination
on David and Victoria Beckham so ‘Charmed’ by Tom Cruise They Have His Photos on Display at Their Home
on Iowa State starting RB Jirehl Brock among latest college football players charged in gambling probe
on Biden to tout bill’s prescription drug prices, energy provisions in pitch to Americans, aide says
on Iowa State starting RB Jirehl Brock among latest college football players charged in gambling probe
on The Rev. Al Sharpton to lead protest after Florida governor’s ban of African American studies course
on Sports World Hails ‘Superwoman’ Lindsey Vonn for Her Grand Comeback Despite Career-Changing Injury
on San Mateo County Community College District sues five companies over role in ‘pay to play’ scandal
on Saipan, placid island setting for Assange’s last battle, is briefly mobbed – and bemused by the fuss
on ‘Pokémon Scarlet’ and ‘Violet’ Fan Theories Suggest Legendary Time Travel, Alternate Dimension Plot
on Joe Manchin and Tommy Tuberville introduce bill on name, image and likeness rules for college sports
on Inside the Michael Jordan ‘Air’ movie, plus why NFL, others are buying into the sports film industry
on If you’re a frequent traveler, these wrap tops from Aday will revolutionize your on-the-go wardrobe
on How Does Jack Nicklaus Travel? Exploring the Private Jets Owned by the ‘Golden Bear’ Over the Years
on Hollywood Reporter: Tom Cruise negotiated with movie studios over AI before the actors strike began
on Ford Blue Cruise: US regulators investigate fatal crashes involving hands-free driving technology
on Dozens of boats cruise the Seine in a rehearsal for the Paris Olympics’ opening ceremony on July 26
on Devout athletes find strength in their faith. But practicing it and elite sports can pose hurdles
on Despite strong Lunar New Year holiday data, consumer spending in China isn’t roaring back just yet
on David and Victoria Beckham so ‘Charmed’ by Tom Cruise They Have His Photos on Display at Their Home
on CONCEPT ART: New Details Revealed for Disney Cruise Line Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Destination
on CBS Sports announces Matt Ryan will join NFL studio show. Longtime analysts Simms and Esiason depart
on Boston College vs. Army live stream, how to watch online, CBS Sports Network channel finder, odds
on Boise State vs. Air Force live stream, odds, channel, prediction, how to watch on CBS Sports Network
on Biden to tout bill’s prescription drug prices, energy provisions in pitch to Americans, aide says
on After UFC Fallout, Conor McGregor Offers a Valuable Piece of Advice to Free Agent Francis Ngannou
on 2024 Super Bowl: CBS Sports Network and CBS Sports HQ to combine for 115 hours of weeklong coverage
on ‘Best Intention’: Chris Kirk Has Absolute Trust in Jay Monahan and PGA Tour’s Widely Debated Model
on 2023 NFL All-Rookie Team: CBS Sports draft expert, former GM unveil league’s best first-year players
on “Completely Knocked Me Out”: Rob Lowe Recalls Boxing Match With Tom Cruise On 1983 Brat Pack Classic
on CONCEPT ART: New Details Revealed for Disney Cruise Line Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Destination
on “Completely Knocked Me Out”: Rob Lowe Recalls Boxing Match With Tom Cruise On 1983 Brat Pack Classic
on CBS Sports announces Matt Ryan will join NFL studio show. Longtime analysts Simms and Esiason depart
on Carlos Sainz’s Soccer Fanboy Emerges as Spaniard Shares Defining Moment With This Real Madrid Legend
on Biden: ‘At this point I’m not’ planning to visit East Palestine, Ohio, after toxic train derailment
on ‘Best Intention’: Chris Kirk Has Absolute Trust in Jay Monahan and PGA Tour’s Widely Debated Model
on Ahead of big sports weekend, dispute with Disney leaves millions of cable subscribers in the dark
on A heavy wave of Russian missile attacks pounds areas across Ukraine, killing at least 4 civilians
on 2024 Super Bowl: CBS Sports Network and CBS Sports HQ to combine for 115 hours of weeklong coverage
on 2023 NFL All-Rookie Team: CBS Sports draft expert, former GM unveil league’s best first-year players
on Army vs. Coastal Carolina live stream, how to watch online, CBS Sports Network channel finder, odds
on AL Rookie of the Year Julio Rodriguez Spreads Joy and Sportsmanship to the Youth of Loma de Cabrera
on After UFC Fallout, Conor McGregor Offers a Valuable Piece of Advice to Free Agent Francis Ngannou
on Dubai International Airport sees 41.6 million passengers in first half of year, more than in 2019
on Devout athletes find strength in their faith. But practicing it and elite sports can pose hurdles
on Despite strong Lunar New Year holiday data, consumer spending in China isn’t roaring back just yet
on Dave Portnoy: Taylor Swift’s security should ‘drag Kim Kardashian to jail’ if she attends Eras Tour
on CONCEPT ART: New Details Revealed for Disney Cruise Line Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Destination
on “Completely Knocked Me Out”: Rob Lowe Recalls Boxing Match With Tom Cruise On 1983 Brat Pack Classic
on CBS Sports, Serie A announce new TV rights deal; Paramount+ to air over 400 Italian soccer matches
on Cam Newton’s Violent Public Incident Draws Hilarious Reaction From 3x All-Star: “Where Do I Sign Up
on Boston College vs. Army live stream, how to watch online, CBS Sports Network channel finder, odds
on Angel Reese Launches Foundation Dedicated To Empowering Women Through Sports & Financial Literacy
on A weaker dollar, skyrocketing prices and ‘record’ visitor numbers: Good luck in Europe this summer