It Was Difficult to Just Watch’ – Usain Bolt Reveals Biggest Thing He ‘Hates’ About Retirement

 

Usain Bolt has revealed the biggest thing he does not like about retirement life eight years since hanging up his spikes.

 

Athletics legend Usain Bolt has admitted that one of the hardest parts of retirement is watching from the sidelines as others take center stage especially during major global championships.

 

Speaking in a candid interview with Forbes India, the eight-time Olympic gold medallist revealed that although he enjoys seeing the next generation of Jamaican sprinters shine, he still finds it difficult to watch races without feeling the itch to compete.

 

Bolt witnessed Oblique Seville and Kishane Thompson guide Jamaica to a one-two finish in the 100m final at the Tokyo World Athletics, and although he looked cheerful whenever the cameras panned him watching the showdown from the stands, it was bittersweet for him.

 

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“Yeah, for sure. I definitely miss competing,” Bolt confessed. “I was at the World Championships this year, and honestly, it was hard to just watch. It’s tough when you’re on the sidelines, especially at such a big event, because part of you still wants to be out there.”

 

The 38-year-old, who retired in 2017 after dominating the track for nearly a decade, said his pride in Jamaica’s sprinting resurgence slightly eases that longing.

 

“The guys actually went one-two this year, and that made me proud,” he added. “It’s great to see Jamaica back on top.”

 

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‘It Was Difficult to Just Watch’ – Usain Bolt Reveals Biggest Thing He ‘Hates’ About Retirement

Usain Bolt after setting the new 100m world record in 2009.

Despite not being an active athlete, Bolt’s legacy continues to define modern sprinting. His world records in the 100m (9.58 seconds) and 200m (19.19 seconds) — both set in 2009 — have stood the test of time, despite significant advancements in sports science, shoe technology, and track surfaces.

 

Asked why no one has managed to break his marks, Bolt smiled and offered a simple explanation.

 

“Somebody asked me that same question recently, and honestly, the only thing I can come up with is that our generation was just more talented,” he said. “Maybe we worked harder — maybe we were just special that way.”

 

When pressed on whether he believes anyone could soon challenge his times, Bolt laughed and said, “No.”

 

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Bolt’s comments come at a time when a new wave of Jamaican sprinters — including Seville and Thompson — are looking to re-establish the island’s dominance in men’s sprinting. Yet, even with the emergence of fresh stars and evolving technologies, Bolt’s shadow looms large over the sport.

 

For now, the man nicknamed “Lightning Bolt” remains content to watch from the stands — though the competitive fire, it seems, still flickers brightly within.