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  • Footage emerges of Usain Bolt making his return to the race track as Justin Gatlin immediately reacts

    Footage emerges of Usain Bolt making his return to the race track as Justin Gatlin immediately reacts

     

     

    Footage of Usain Bolt making his return to an athletics track has emerged online – and his great rival Justin Gatlin has already reacted.

     

    Bolt hung up the spikes for good at the end of the 2017 World Athletics Championships, having won eight Olympic gold medals.

     

    The Jamaican holds world records in 100m and 200m, making him the fastest man of all time.

     

    Despite retiring at the relatively tender age of 30, Bolt suffered from various injury problems during his final year as a professional athlete and therefore was never tempted to make a comeback.

     

     

     

    He did appear in an exhibition 800-metre race back in 2021, but fans have otherwise not seen much of Bolt running since his athletics retirement.

     

    That is why footage of Bolt at the Oslo Diamond League meeting earlier this week quickly went viral.

     

    In the clip, the now 38-year-old can be seen doing a 100-metre practice start.

     

    Although the footage is slowed down, Bolt clearly still possesses a significant burst of speed out of the blocks.

     

     

     

    And US sprinter Gatlin – who Bolt once described as his toughest opponent in athletics – was quick to have his say on the new clip.

     

    After the Jamaican posted the clip to his Instagram page, Gatlin replied: “I told you that you was going to get the itch.”

     

    Bolt has previously ruled out any semblance of a comeback, though, despite Gatlin himself remaining a professional sprinter until his 40th birthday.

     

    Justin Gatlin responded to Usain Bolt’s latest Instagram post (Image: Instagram)

    Justin Gatlin responded to Usain Bolt’s latest Instagram post

     

     

    Following his exhibition 800m run, he told reporters: “I did a lot of cardio [to get ready for the run]. I think I needed to do a little bit more.

     

    “No, no, this is a one-time thing.”

     

    Bolt has, however, experimented with other projects since his retirement, attempting to become a professional footballer by training and playing friendly matches for Australian A-League side Central Coast Mariners.

     

    In 2012, his management team stated that he would consider playing in cricket’s Big Bash League in Australia after the 2016 Olympics, having held talks with legendary leg-spinner Shane Warne and the Melbourne Stars franchise.

     

     

     

    Bolt, who is a lifelong cricket fan and once named his sporting idol as legendary wicket-keeper Adam Gilchrist, ultimately decided to unsuccessfully pursue football as his post-athletics career.

     

     

  • West Virginia Football Extends Offer to 2025 Randy Moss Award Winner After 7-on-7 Tournament

    West Virginia Football Extends Offer to 2025 Randy Moss Award Winner After 7-on-7 Tournament

     

    The in-state standout wide receiver has earned an offer from WVU after an impressive showing at the team’s 7-on-7 tournament this past week.

     

     

    West Virginia football has officially extended an offer to an in-state prospect at wide receiver in the Class of 2026 after he stood out to the coaching staff at a 7-on-7 tournament hosted by the Mountaineers this week.

     

    Malachi Thompson, who plays at Nitro High School in Kanawha County, is coming off an extremely successful junior season where he was named the recipient of the Randy Moss Award — handed out annually to the best prep wide receiver in West Virginia — where he hauled in 74 receptions for 1,593 yards and 18 touchdowns while leading Nitro 10-2 record and a WVSSAC Class AAA quarterfinals appearance in the postseason.

     

    The skills that helped propel him to such a massive season were on full display for WVU football’s staff this week at the 7-on-7 tournament, as the 6-foot-4, 200-pound. Thompson’s effort drew attention from wide receivers coach Ryan Garrett and head coach Rich Rodriguez, and on Thursday night, he received his official offer from the Mountaineers.

     

    “They said they really liked my game and that I did very well,” Thompson told Rivals.

     

    When asked about Thompson’s best attributes, Nitro’s head coach Boom McKinney struggled with a definitive answer — not because Thompson doesn’t have any strong attributes, but because he has too many.

     

    “I can’t tell you his best attributes,” McKinney told MetroNews. “because he does it all so well. He’s got great speed, he reads defenses well and he’s got good hands.”

     

    Thompson had previously narrowed down his Top 5 schools to Marshall, Ohio, Temple, Toledo and Miami (OH), but the offer from an in-state Power 4 program likely will throw a wrench in the process.

    He has already visited Marshall and Ohio, which are both closer to home than WVU. Mountaineer fans will have to wait and see if the allure of playing at the highest level of FBS for his state’s flagship school will win Thompson over and bring him to West Virginia football.

     

     

  • Noah Lyles Names The Greatest 3 Sprinters Faster Than Him

    Noah Lyles Names The Greatest 3 Sprinters Faster Than Him

     

    Noah Lyles is the reigning World and Olympic 100m champion.  Noah Lyles is the reigning World and Olympic 100m champion.

     

    Noah Lyles has confidently named the only sprinters in history with greater top-end speed than himself.

    Reigning 100m and 200m World Champion Noah Lyles is known for his confidence and blazing speed.

     

    But even the fastest men in the world know when to give props. In a recent interview on the Cam Newton Show, Lyles made a bold yet humble admission, naming the only three sprinters who have more top-end speed than him.

     

    : Stay updated with the Latest Sports News in Kenya from Pulse Sports

     

    Confusion Surrounds Harambee Starlets Coach Beldine Odemba

    Confusion Surrounds Harambee Starlets Coach Beldine Odemba

    1. Usain Bolt

    Usain Bolt

    Usain Bolt is the fastest sprinter of all time.

    It’s no surprise that the Jamaican sprint king Usain Bolt tops Lyles’ list with a top end speed of 44.72 km/h, the fastest ever.

     

    Bolt’s 2009 world records still stand as the ultimate benchmark in sprinting. With unmatched stride length and turnover, Bolt redefined what was humanly possible on the track.

     

    “Usain Bolt… top speed for days,” Lyles said.

     

    Harambee Stars Coach Benni McCarthy Cautions Gor Mahia And AFC Leopards Big Wigs

    Harambee Stars Coach Benni McCarthy Cautions Gor Mahia And AFC Leopards Big Wigs

    2. Tyson Gay

    Tyson Gay

    Tyson Gay is the fastest Ameircan sprinter ever.

    Tyson Gay remains one of the fastest men in history and still holds the American record, with Yohan Blake at 9.69s.

     

    Known for his explosive acceleration and smooth mechanics, Gay’s top speed in his prime was world-class, even in an era dominated by Bolt.

     

    Noah Lyles didn’t hesitate to include Gay, acknowledging his elite top-end velocity of .

     

    3. Yohan Blake

    Yohan Blake

    Yohan Blake is the second fastest man in history behind Usain Bolt in both the 100m and 200m events

    Nicknamed The Beast, Yohan Blake was Bolt’s Jamaican teammate and one of the few sprinters to push him to the limit.

     

    His 200m time of 19.26s is the second-fastest ever, only behind Bolt. Lyles recognizes Blake’s freakish power and sustained top-end speed of 43.5 km/h as worthy of this elite group.

     

    Lyles himself made it clear, “None of them are running anymore.” He believes the top-speed throne is his in this era of sprinting with the likes of Kishane Thompson, Fred Kerley, Kenny Bednarek and Christian Coleman.

     

     

  • Why the Detroit Lions’ NFL-leading offense isn’t done growing

    Why the Detroit Lions’ NFL-leading offense isn’t done growing

     

     

    Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (87) stretches with the team during the final day of OTAs on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Detroit Lions training facility in Allen Park.Jake May | MLIive.com

    What does the next level of development for Detroit Lions’ offense look like?

     

    Under new offensive coordinator John Morton, there will be some changes. While not holistic, the hope is small tweaks and a conversion to Morton’s terminology and teaching will bring the group to another level.

     

    But as the Lions move past OTAs and look toward training camp, coach Dan Campbell sees the next step being how multiple and versatile the offense can get behind a star playmaking group that includes young players like running back Jahymr Gibbs, tight end Sam LaPorta and wide receiver Jameson Williams.

     

    “How many ways and times can we isolate one of these guys? I think that’s what it comes down to,” Campbell said June 5. “Alright we know we’re going to get the one-on-one with Jamo here, and these are the best routes to use him on and let him really shine and do what he does. LaPorta as well. Gibbs as well.

     

    “You want to take away Saint (WR Amon-Ra St. Brown)? You want to take away Jamo? You take away LaPorta. Well Gibbs, here we go, here’s your three routes. Here’s what you do best. Or any of those other guys.

    So I think it’s not all that different from what we’ve done before, but I think so much of it will be how do we just — simple plays here and let those guys go to work. Get it in their hands and let them go to work and do what they do.”

     

    There was plenty of wealth to spread in last year’s offense. Four players — Gibbs, St. Brown, Williams and running back David Montgomery — had over 1,000 yards from scrimmage and LaPorta added over 700 receiving yards and seven touchdowns.

     

    According to coaches and players in the organization, the young returning stars are ready to take big steps forward in 2025. That makes it all the more likely the Lions can continue molding a sort of pick-your-poison offense.

     

    “Those guys are playmakers on offense,” St. Brown said of Gibbs and Williams. “They’re guys we need, guys we lean on. Watching them this spring has been a lot of fun to sit back and watch them do their thing, get better.”

     

    But the one St. Brown — coming off his second straight First-team All-Pro selection — has his eye on is LaPorta.

     

    After a record-setting rookie campaign, LaPorta’s numbers dropped a bit last season, in particular his targets going down from 120 to 83.

     

    St. Brown suggested LaPorta may not have received the amount of touches he wanted in 2024, but from his perspective, St. Brown sees LaPorta’s drive to top his sophomore season and help the Lions win now.

     

    “Not taking anything from what he did last year, he’s a baller,” St. Brown said. “But I can tell this year he’s making plays out there every day. I feel like he’s gonna have a big year.”

     

    There are still a few months before the Lions’ players will get to showcase their growth in a real game setting.

     

    But if their young core of playmakers are on this path of development to bolster an offense that already excelled last season, they should have no problem accomplishing Campbell’s plans.

  • How Lewis Hamilton has ‘surprised’ Charles Leclerc inside and outside the car at Ferrari

    How Lewis Hamilton has ‘surprised’ Charles Leclerc inside and outside the car at Ferrari

     

    Charles Leclerc has drawn upon Lewis Hamilton’s experience

    Charles Leclerc has opened up on how Lewis Hamilton has “surprised” him both inside and outside the car in their time as team-mates at Ferrari to date in Formula 1.

     

    Hamilton is six months into his long-awaited maiden season with Ferrari, one that hasn’t lived up to the expectations that surrounded his winter move from Mercedes.

     

    Leclerc has out-raced Hamilton on all but one occasion in the opening nine races, though the seven-time F1 champion did secure Ferrari’s only win in the China Sprint.

     

    Hamilton has admitted that his adaptation at Ferrari has been tougher than he envisaged, a process that the Italian marque’s troublesome SF-25 car has exacerbated.

     

    But despite that, Leclerc has noted that his team-mate’s notorious prowess on the brakes is one element that has remained prominent during his initial months in red.

     

    “I expected many, many things from Lewis, obviously, joining the team and having so much success,” Leclerc told media including Motorsport Week in Canada.

     

    “In F1, you kind of expect to see the speed, the special things in terms of driving. So all these kind of things were expected.

     

    “I still got surprised with the way he brakes, by example. I think how late he brakes is very, very, very impressive.

     

    “In my career, I’ve always been the one braking later than my team-mates. And that is a particular driving style that I didn’t really see in any of my team-mates.

     

    “I think Lewis is a step ahead even more so in that direction. So that surprised me.”

     

    Lewis Hamilton trails his Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc by 23 points in the Drivers’ Standings

    Charles Leclerc has been learning from Lewis Hamilton inside and outside the car

    Hamilton providing an ‘example’ to Leclerc

    However, Leclerc detailed that observing how Hamilton manages his time to ensure his various outside interests don’t impact his racing has impressed him the most.

     

    The Monegasque, who runs his own ice cream brand ‘LEC’, explained that he is drawing on his team-mate’s expertise in that regard to handle his external endeavours.

     

    “But then for the rest, I think the rest is what surprised me the most. And it’s things that I did not expect,” he continued.

     

    “His discipline is very, very impressive. From outside, I obviously remember I was seeing him and managing so many different things. And I was like, ‘this has to be hard.’

     

    “But then when you look at how organised everything is, you can understand that he’s just 200 per cent focused on racing.

     

    “And then everything is super well organised for these other projects to run very smoothly without his implications daily.

     

    “That’s something that I take as an example for me, because we’ve all got passions, we’ve all got projects outside racing.

     

    “But obviously, for all of us, the most important is that we stay focused on racing. And I think on that, Lewis is very, very impressive.”

  • Lions Coach Dan Campbell Gets Credit for Jets’ Offseason Moves

    Lions Coach Dan Campbell Gets Credit for Jets’ Offseason Moves

     

    While the New York Jets are making headlines for their aggressive offseason moves, a surprising name is being credited for influencing their strategy — Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell. Known for his fiery personality, unorthodox leadership, and smashmouth brand of football, Campbell has not only revitalized the Lions but is now being cited as a key inspiration behind how the Jets have reshaped their roster.

     

    Jets head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas reportedly looked closely at Detroit’s recent blueprint when evaluating their own approach to rebuilding.

    According to team insiders, Campbell’s culture-first mentality, emphasis on physicality, and commitment to developing homegrown talent resonated with Jets leadership. With the Lions’ dramatic turnaround — from perennial cellar-dwellers to legitimate NFC contenders — Campbell has become a model for how to build a team with identity and purpose.

     

    The Jets, who entered the offseason under immense pressure to compete in 2025, didn’t just target big names. They focused on acquiring players with grit, leadership, and versatility — traits Campbell has prioritized in Detroit. Free-agent signings like offensive lineman John Simpson and linebacker Patrick Queen are less about flash and more about fit. These are players who mirror the kind of edge and toughness Campbell has instilled in Detroit.

     

    In a recent interview, Saleh even referenced Campbell indirectly, noting, “There’s a team in the NFC that turned it around by believing in their guys, sticking to a culture, and building through the trenches. That’s the standard we’re chasing.”

     

    Analysts have pointed out several parallels between the two teams. Both have invested heavily in the offensive line. Both have drafted physical defensive backs who can tackle in space. And both have doubled down on coaches who bring high energy and demand accountability — a signature part of Campbell’s approach.

     

    Dan Campbell’s influence also goes beyond the roster. His ability to rally a team around a cause — be it biting kneecaps or simply playing for each other — has captured the attention of coaches across the league. In a league often obsessed with analytics and playcalling trees, Campbell’s emotional leadership style has shown there’s still room for raw motivation and belief in football.

     

    For the Jets, the hope is that channeling that same spirit will finally end their playoff drought. With Aaron Rodgers returning from injury and a roster filled with battle-tested veterans and hungry young talent, the team is aiming for more than just a winning season. They’re looking to build something sustainable, something with identity — just like what’s unfolding in Detroit.

     

    Whether or not the Jets can pull it off remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Dan Campbell’s fingerprints are showing up in more places than Detroit. And if the Jets’ gamble pays off, Campbell may add “trendsetter” to his growing list of NFL accolades.

     

     

     

  • The Tiger Beat: Bad news for the rotation

    The Tiger Beat: Bad news for the rotation

    We had a feeling things might be bad when Jackson Jobe landed on the injured list. Tigers fans are all too familiar with grim updates about their starting pitchers (anyone remember Alex Cobb?), but no one wanted to hear the dreaded words “Tommy John surgery” linked to one of the team’s most promising young players.

    To start with the toughest news: the biggest headline from yesterday was undoubtedly the worst — Jackson Jobe will undergo Tommy John surgery, which means he’s out for the entire 2025 season.

     

    “I think he’s clearly ahead of the pack. His fastball is elite, and last season he focused on mixing in other pitches to keep batters guessing. That fastball makes his changeup even more effective—it reaches the plate so fast and really throws hitters off. He makes them uncomfortable at the plate.”

    “He’s tough on everyone. Everything he throws comes in hard, and his changeup is excellent. It’s tough to read his pitches because of his unusual delivery and motion.”

    “I’m better hitting from the left side, but even then, he’s a real challenge. He could be the top pitcher in theLeague

     

  • Michael Johnson explains why he cancelled Grand Slam Track meet in LA

    Michael Johnson explains why he cancelled Grand Slam Track meet in LA

     

     

    Michael Johnson, left, poses with Grand Slam Track’s first champion athletes

    Michael Johnson has spoken out after cancelling the Los Angeles leg of his new Grand Slam Track competition, describing the drastic move as a “business decision” to preserve the future of the league.

     

    Johnson held a meeting over Zoom on Thursday to inform athletes and their representatives that the LA event – the fourth and final leg of the season scheduled for 28-29 June – had been pulled, bringing the campaign to a sudden end.

     

    The Independent understands that Grand Slam Track’s deal with host UCLA had become financially unviable, with estimated losses of more than $2m had the event gone ahead. A new sponsor is set to be announced next week ahead of the 2026 season, and organisers felt avoiding losses was crucial to help secure that investment and ensure the long-term future of the competition.

     

    The US legend said in a statement: “The decision to conclude the inaugural Grand Slam Track season is not taken lightly, but one rooted in a belief that we have successfully achieved the objectives we set out to in this pilot season, and the importance of looking towards 2026 and beyond.

     

    “We launched with a bold vision to reimagine professional track racing and we could not be more excited about what we have accomplished so far, delivering amazing races to a rabid fan base. As we’ve said all along, we were going to have learnings, make adjustments, and continue to improve. Sometimes we have to make moves that aren’t comfortable, but what’s most important is the future and sustainability of the league.

     

    The global economic landscape has shifted dramatically in the past year, and this business decision has been made to ensure our long-term stability as the world’s premier track league. Our attention is now on 2026, with our eyes set on continuing to deliver the best-in-class storytelling, content, and competition that we have become known for in our debut year.”

     

    Josh Kerr, Dina Asher-Smith, Fred Kerley and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone signed up to Grand Slam Track

    Josh Kerr, Dina Asher-Smith, Fred Kerley and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone signed up to Grand Slam Track

    Organisers remain confident that Grand Slam Track will continue in 2026, with LA set to be on the circuit, and have stressed the positives of what they insist has been a relatively successful “pilot” year.

     

    Before the opening event in Kingston, Jamaica, Johnson’s co-founder Steve Gera told The Independent that they were “maniacally focused on having the youngest fanbase of any sports league in the world in the next five years”.

     

    The star-studded list of athletes – which included US stars Kenny Bednarek, Gabrielle Thomas and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone as well as British names including Josh Kerr and Dina Asher-Smith – competed in two linked events, such as 100m and 200m sprints, with results combined to calculate the winners in each category. Prize money for winners stood at $100,000, with $50,000 for runners-up and $10,000 for eighth place.

     

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    The competition was billed as a much-needed shot in the arm for athletics, although the decision to include only track events and omit field disciplines was met with criticism. “I am going to save what I think I can save,” Johnson explained. “I think I can save track, I don’t think I can save track and field.”

     

    But ticket sales have been slow and sponsorship and broadcast revenues have not met lofty expectations. The Times reports that organisers will save around £2.2m in prize money and travel expenses by cancelling the Los Angeles event.

     

    Some of the action has played out in half-empty stadiums, although the third event in Philadelphia was more popular, with close to 30,000 tickets sold over two days after the action was compressed from the three days of events held in Kingston and Miami.

     

    A disappointing crowd in Jamaica prompted organisers to review their locations for 2026, with a variety of other markets being considered, including European cities.

     

    Gera told The Independent in March: “We had discussions with a couple of different cities across the UK [but] that was a decision that we made to just focus on tightly packaging our run of shows [in the Americas] in year one. But we’re really excited to get the product into Europe in the not too distant future.”

     

    Johnson added: “We are in conversations with potential host cities – many of whom have already thrown their names in the hat – to build out an exciting calendar of events for our fans across the globe. We are committed to calling Los Angeles home, and look forward to hosting a Slam in LA as part of the 2026 season.”

  • How Kentucky AD Mitch Barnhart responded to Vince Marrow leaving for Louisville

    How Kentucky AD Mitch Barnhart responded to Vince Marrow leaving for Louisville

     

     

    The Louisville Cardinals beat the Kentucky Wildcats 41-14 during the Governor’s Cup at Kroger Field in Lexington, Ky., on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. By Herald-Leader photo staff

    For any fans worried that Vince Marrow’s departure from Kentucky football for a job at archrival Louisville is a red flag for the future of the program, UK athletics director Mitch Barnhart has a message.

     

    “That’s not the way to look at this thing,” Barnhart said when asked about the move by the Herald-Leader after Thursday’s athletics committee meeting. “I think things have changed in college athletics. Rosters change, staffs change. I’m thankful for the 12 years Vince gave us. He put a lot of heart and soul into our program, and appreciative of that.

  • Alabama OC Names Current Leader of Crimson Tide’s Three-Way Quarterback Battle

    Alabama OC Names Current Leader of Crimson Tide’s Three-Way Quarterback Battle

     

    Ryan Grubb gave an update on where the quarterback competition stands heading into the summer before his first year at Alabama. New Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer inherited Jalen Milroe, but with the two-year starter now in the NFL with the Seattle Seahawks, DeBoer and his offensive coordinator—Grubb, who coached with him at Washington—have a decision to make among three very different QB candidates.

    Ty Simpson, though lacking extensive playing time, is the most seasoned in the room, beginning his fourth year at Alabama. Austin Mack, now a third-year sophomore, started at Washington and transferred after DeBoer took the Bama job. Keelon Russell, one of the most highly regarded 2025 recruits, is in the mix as a true freshman and early enrollee in Tuscaloosa.

    There’s still time before Alabama chooses its starting quarterback, but Grubb said that if they had to play Florida State this week, Simpson would currently be in front.

    “He is. Right now, that’s accurate. And we don’t speak in absolutes unless it’s necessary, but I wanted to be honest,” Grubb told Ryan Fowler on Tide 100.9 Thursday. “We wrapped up post-spring reviews, and Ty protected the ball better. He executed better. He grew as a player, especially for someone older. Even with limited starting reps, he showed noticeable progress in the back half of spring. But we’re still encouraging an open competition.

    “All three will continue to compete during summer workouts and into fall camp, and we’ll let things sort out through performance and consistency. We track everything closely and stay transparent with all the quarterbacks.”

    The competition is still wide open, and Grubb had strong praise for Russell, whose vision and poise stood out to the staff despite being new to the college game.

    “Keelon’s vision is top-tier. That stands out first. As he grows more comfortable in our scheme, you can tell when a play clicks—he knows where to go with the ball, and he’s getting it out fast,” Grubb said. “He processes fast and distributes the ball properly. For someone his age, that’s remarkable.

    “Combine that with his natural athletic ability—what he’s been blessed with—and you’ve got serious potential. Then add in how calm he is under pressure, especially while learning a complex system, and you’ve got something special. He hasn’t been fazed at all.”

    Mack, meanwhile, is considered the sharpest passer of the three and is among the most intuitive learners of the system, according to Grubb.

    When Fowler asked Grubb to describe what qualities define an ideal quarterback in his and DeBoer’s scheme, he said it boils down to three crucial factors.

    “I think first is elite decision-making. You obviously want the physical tools to deliver the ball accurately, but smart choices, control, and leadership are must-haves,” said Grubb. “Those traits are essential for any great quarterback.”

    Given how tight the competition is, it’s logical that Alabama leans on its most experienced option for now, but a lot can still change with so many reps remaining before the season kicks off against Florida State.