That's what makes
me a legend
Usain Bolt on what it takes to be great
September 22, 2015Usain Bolt on what it takes to be great
September 22, 2015He delivered, when it mattered. Six-time Olympic Champion and world-record holder Usain Bolt raced to win three Gold medals at the 2015 World Athletic Championships in Beijing. Surging to victory with his Jamaican team mates in the 100 meter relay on Saturday, he claimed his eleventh world championship gold medal. Only two days before, he had left behind his greatest rival Justin Gatlin in the 200 meter final. In the fastest time of the year, at 19.55 seconds, Bolt claimed his fourth consecutive world 200m title. Only five days before, he had beaten Gatlin over the 100 meter distance, clocking in 9.79 seconds.
“Well done, Usain,” he told reporters after the 200m race. “I am just happy, I told you guys I would do it. There was no doubt.” With eleven world championship gold medals, Usain Bolt has achieved more than any other athlete in history. Usain told CATch Up in Beijing what these races meant to him and why he did not go for another world record.
Congratulations, Usain, on winning your eleventh World Championship gold. These races must have been super special ones in your career?
All major championships are special, because they have the best athletes in the world competing in one moment. To be the best you have to beat them. But it was indeed a big deal for me, because my fourth 200m world championship gold medal is a great accomplishment. “When it comes to the 200 meters, I am a different person.”
You had some health issues with your sacroiliac joint this season, but they did not seem to bother you during the races …
I was in good shape. I hadn’t had the race practice I would have normally had in a season because of the injury, but I worked hard and trained well to be in good physical shape. And it worked out.
Last year in Zurich, you told us that you wanted to run the 200m under 19 seconds. Why didn’t that work out?
I was not really focused on time. I knew I was in good shape, but not in the shape for a world record after the injuries during this season. So all I wanted to do really was win gold medals.
What do you think you can achieve in future races in terms of time?
I really don’t think about time, I think about medals.
Doping issues have dominated the headlines recently. Did you have more doping tests than usual?
No, not more than usual. Any athlete who finishes in the top three has a test. That’s standard.
Can you feel physical limits already?
Everyone has physical limits. I just train to push my limit as far as I can.
Last year you told us your plan was to go on a proper diet. Has this worked out?
Yes, I’ve been eating well this year. Lots of vegetables, and chicken for protein. My diet is pretty good.
Where do you see the 100 meters in 10 years in terms of time that can be achieved?
I really don’t know, I lost my crystal ball at the airport. (laughs)
What does it take to be a perfect sprinter? What does it take to have a perfect sprint?
It takes a lot of work, muscle development, technique, execution. But mostly it takes hours and hours of work.
Why do you think you are so much better than historic stars such as Carl Lewis or Linford Christie? What is the difference between you and them?
I’ve always said I want to be the greatest, and I’m doing that by coming back to major championships and winning again and again. That’s something they didn’t do. That’s what makes me a legend.
