The World’s Fastest Man tells Digicel what the world can expect from him hours before the start of the Olympic Games
Thursday, July 26, 2012 – Kingston, Jamaica:
Bolt at the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) World Championships in Daegu, South Korea
Excitement and euphoria fill the air as expectations about Usain’s performance run high at this year’s Olympics – there is a feeling that he can lower the world record – launching his status into meteoric proportions as the greatest sprinter of all time. With Madame Tussauds immortalising his iconic pose in wax and placing it in the London Heathrow International Airport, prize thoroughbreds owned by royalty being named after him (Prince Harry is part-owner of a racehorse named “Usain Colt”) – the city of London welcomed Usain with open arms.
When asked how he handles all the expectations and attention, he dismisses it entirely; “No pressure,” he says, “When you enjoy running as much as I do, it’s no pressure. Right now, it is about going out there and executing what I practice in training.” He also mentioned that he has “a good support system” which includes his; “family, close friends, teammates and my sponsor, Digicel, who has been supporting for a long time. I am pleased Digicel is on the Road to London with me”
Usain says he wants to win more titles at the Olympics and show off a few more dance moves when he crosses the finish line; “I have a few I’m working on,” he jokes.
When Bolt was asked where he would take the Queen of England if he got the chance, he was a bit reluctant to say – he probably wondered if the Her Majesty would enjoy visiting the cool hills of Trelawny in Jamaica, and possibly sampling some of its now world-famous yams.
The diet of the Jamaican athletes at the Olympic village is important to their performance – they have their very own personal chef who prepares all their meals – keeping them at their optimal level, Whether is its Britain’s ‘Fish and Chips’ or Jamaica’s ‘Fish and Festival’, Usain says he prefers to have his home-grown Jamaican food.
As with most Jamaicans, music plays a big part of Usain’s life. He spoke about what kind of music he listens to while he trains; “Reggae and dancehall music is a big part of my routine,” he says. Much like the music of his homeland, Usain has become a world icon, a “living legend.” He has injected new life and enthusiasm into the sport of track and field – entertaining massive crowds and exposing them to Jamaican culture.
Usain says he feels a sense of pride when he steps on to the track, clad in his Jamaican colours, and having such a major impact on the world stage;
“It means a lot to me when I represent my country – knowing that through my efforts, Jamaica is being put on display in a positive way – it really gives me a great feeling.”
Bolt appreciates the history of England, describing it as ‘ancient and rainy” – luckily, the weather is bright and sunny in London at the moment – a sign that he is set to become the ‘Golden Boy’ of track and field – inspiring Jamaicans and the world…
Photo Credit
KIM JAE-HWAN/AFP/Getty Images,
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