Sep 16, 2025, 12:00 AM
Sep 15, 2025, 1:00 PM

Usain Bolt reveals he struggles with everyday activities post-retirement

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Highlights
  • Usain Bolt, once the fastest man in the world, admitted to struggling with basic activities like walking up stairs after his retirement in 2017.
  • Due to a ruptured Achilles, he is unable to run and has shifted his focus to spending time with his family and pursuing hobbies.
  • Bolt remains optimistic about resuming fitness training, attributing performance gaps to talent differences and discussing the evolution of sprinting.
Story

In Tokyo, Japan, during the World Athletics Championships, Usain Bolt shared the realities of his life after elite athletics. The famed sprinter, known for holding the world records in the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay, announced his retirement from competitive sprinting in 2017. Since then, Bolt has experienced changes in his physical condition, admitting that he now struggles with basic activities like walking up stairs due to a ruptured Achilles tendon. This unfortunate injury has prevented him from running and has shifted his focus to personal pursuits, including spending time with his children. Evidently reveling in his fatherhood, Bolt explained how his day-to-day routine revolves around his family. He wakes up to send his kids to school and uses the rest of the day to engage in hobbies, including watching movies and working on Lego projects, although he does attempt to stay active when he feels motivated. His admission of getting out of breath when walking signifies the drastic shift from his peak athletic condition to his post-retirement lifestyle. Bolt highlighted that returning to a running regimen is essential for improving his fitness level and managing his breathing. Moreover, Bolt spoke candidly about why he believes contemporary athletes have yet to surpass the records set by him and his peers. He mentioned that while advancements in technology such as improved running spikes have changed the sport, intrinsic talent remains a key factor. Bolt emphasized that he believes his generation of sprinters possessed exceptional talent, which differentiates them from today's competitors. He noted the impressive performance of fellow Jamaican sprinter Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce but reiterated that talent played a pivotal role in the results observed in sprinting. The conversations surrounding Bolt's post-retirement experiences not only highlight the challenges he faces adapting to life away from competitive sports but also shed light on the evolving dynamics of sprinting as a discipline. As Bolt continues to adjust to his new normal, his reflections serve as a reminder of the physical demands placed on athletes and the reality of life once the spotlight fades. As he moves forward, Bolt looks to recommit to his fitness journey, finding balance between enjoying life with his family and reclaiming some of his former athletic prowess.

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