Do you want to
run faster?

Usain, how do you train for speed? Any specific tips for training to become faster?

There are many things that help someone run faster – conditioning, strength, speed, power, technique, and so on. It is not just one factor. You have to train in a variety of ways and cover all aspects.

What’s a typical training session for you?

There isn’t really a typical session – training for me is either on the track or in the gym. It depends on the time of year and what we are working on. On the track, it can be working on everything from endurance to any technical aspect of my race – the start, the drive phase, the transition for both the 100m and 200m. In the gym, it’s general conditioning, strength and power.

How often do you train in a year?

I train for eleven months of the year, six days a week. Normally in the morning and then again in the afternoon. It’s a lot of work.

What does training do for you other than the physical abilities?

Training gives you confidence and this helps your state of mind. I know if I’m in good shape, it’s going to be very hard to beat me. This confidence is very important in performing well.

What kind of obstacles have you faced and overcome to achieve your goals?

In elite sport, injury is always the thing that can slow you down. We push our bodies to the max and sometimes, we get sore or injured muscles or joints. I had several injuries in my career, but fortunately I have a good coach and team to help me get back to the top.

What’s your advice for someone who’s struggling to find motivation to reach their goals?

You have to find that one thing that you know is going to motivate you. You might not enjoy training, for example, but you have to love competing and winning. If you want these things, you have to be determined and train hard.

Has training changed a lot for you in the past few years?

When I started running as a kid, it was fun. I was good at it, so I just did it. I didn’t really have to train that much to win races. As I got older, I realized that I have to take better care of my body.

Now diet, rest and recovery are more important than a few years ago.

What’s your single greatest goal ever?

Well, my single greatest goal is to become the greatest. That’s what I work towards. I want to be remembered as a great sportsman, to have a place in history.

Which other athlete inspires you to become better?

I have always admired (US basketball player) Kevin Garnett, as he is a player that – whether winning or losing – he gives his all and inspires those around him to raise their game. Also my mentor and coach Glen Mills. He used to tell me, “Everybody on the circuit, everybody at the Championships are talented athletes already. It’s the work you put in that makes you a champion, or better than the other talented person.”