How fast is Usain Bolt? Fastest man in history reveals in chat with Mikel Obi

Usain Bolt remains the fastest ever man on earth. || Imago

How fast is Usain Bolt? Fastest man in history reveals in chat with Mikel Obi

Izuchukwu Akawor • Izuchukwu Akawor • 03:30 - 21.07.2024

Seven years after his retirement, Usain Bolt talks about what he can still do on the track in an interview with John Mikel Obi.

Seven years after hanging up his spikes, Usain Bolt, the fastest man in history, believes that he still has the speed that made him famous.

In a recent appearance on former Chelsea midfielder John Mikel Obi's "Obione" podcast, the Jamaican sprint legend discussed what he believes he could still achieve on the track.

Usain Bolt speaks to Mikel Obi

When asked if he could still clock a sub-11 second 100-meter dash, Bolt's response was characteristically confident:

"Yes, of course." The eight-time Olympic gold medalist then went on to estimate his current capabilities, suggesting he could potentially run maybe 10 and a half seconds.

Usain Bolt is the most decorated track and field athlete in history
Usain Bolt is the most decorated track and field athlete in history

However, Bolt, now 37, who also reflected on his rivalry on the track during his prime, was quick to acknowledge the physical toll such an effort might take.

"I'll probably rip my hamstring," he joked, adding, "I have to run reserved."

Usain Bolt with the Obione Podcast crew led by Mikel Obi
Usain Bolt with the Obione Podcast crew led by Mikel Obi. Photo Credit: Mikel Obi

This honest admission gives insight into the challenges faced by elite athletes as they age, even those once considered superhuman.

Intriguingly, Bolt revealed that he's been frequently asked about his current speed capabilities.

In response to these queries, he's considering putting his money where his mouth is. But the sprinting icon is not rushing into anything.

"I'm probably going to go home, train for three weeks, do some work for three weeks," he said further, outlining a potential plan to test his current limits.

Usain Bolt, regarded as the greatest athlete ever, remains the fastest man alive.
Usain Bolt, regarded as the greatest athlete ever, remains the fastest man alive. || Imago

"I'm just going to go to the tracks and run and see how fast and put it out because I have no idea," he explained, demonstrating a thoughtful approach to this hypothetical comeback.

Bolt's comments have sparked excitement among athletics fans in the comment section of the post shared on Mikel Obi’s Instagram and YouTube pages.

Usain Bolt and Justin Gatlin were two of the most dominant sprinters in history.
Usain Bolt and Justin Gatlin were two of the most dominant sprinters in history.

But while his estimated time of 10.5 seconds is significantly slower than his world record of 9.58 seconds set in 2009, it would still be competitive in many high-level meets today.

This glimpse into Bolt's post-retirement mindset offers a fascinating look at how elite athletes view their capabilities after stepping away from competition. It also raises questions about the nature of athletic longevity and the enduring appeal of speed.

Jamaican sensation Kishane Thompson is the current fastest man in 2024.
Jamaican sensation Kishane Thompson is the current fastest man in 2024.

Whether or not Bolt follows through on his three-week training plan remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the world's fastest man, who still believes he has some lightning left in the bottle, will have to work harder to compete with the current lineup of stars on the track.

The current fastest man in the world is Bolt’s compatriot Kishane Thompson, who ran a time of 9.77 seconds, while Oblique Seville and Noah Lyles come in second and third with 9.82 and 9.83 seconds respectively.

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