Legendary sprinter Usain Bolt has hinted at a surprise return to the Olympic stage — but this time, not on the track.
Speaking to Esquire on the eve of the Doha Marathon, the eight-time Olympic gold medallist said he is happily retired from professional sport but would be open to representing his country in cricket if the opportunity arose.
“I am happily retired from professional sport. I haven’t played cricket in a long time, but if they call, I will be ready,” Bolt said.
The Jamaican icon has previously spoken about his deep connection with cricket and revealed that the sport could have been his original career path. In an earlier interaction with PTI, Bolt admitted that running was not always his first choice.
“A cricketer for sure. If my cricket coach hadn’t said, ‘You know what, go try running,’ I probably would have stuck with cricket,” he said. “My dad was a massive cricket fan and growing up, that’s all I knew. Cricket, a little bit of football — but mostly cricket.”
Bolt explained that he was a fast bowler during his early years before his coach noticed his natural pace and encouraged him to switch to athletics.
“I was a fast bowler, and my cricket coach saw me running in and said, ‘Why not try track and field?’ I gave it a try and realised I was really good at it. From there, I just continued,” he added.
Widely regarded as the greatest sprinter of all time, Bolt enjoyed an extraordinary career, winning eight Olympic gold medals and setting world records in the 100 metres, 200 metres, and the 4×100 metres relay for Jamaica.
