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What got you interested in running?
I started off playing cricket actually and there was a suggestion because of my speed while bowling that I can run, and run fast. I did, and the rest is history. I ran the 400 and 200 metres while in high school and junior levels, but switched to 100 and 200 metres at the senior level.
Which is the first big race you remember?
My most memorable race was winning the 200 metres at the World Junior Championships in Kingston in July 2002.
Were you a natural athlete?
I think so. I know that I always loved running and reaching a goal.
When did you first realise that you had it in you to become the fastest man on earth?
I think after I started competing in the 100 metres, I knew I had the potential and the drive. Now, I am committed to working as hard as ever to maintain my position at the top for as long as it is possible.
What is your training and exercise schedule, in season and off-season?
I maintain a general level of fitness and exercise throughout the year, but resume training in November each year.
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| Bolt (right) shares a laugh with fellow Jamaican sprinter Asafa Powell |
What kind of a diet do you follow?
There is no strict diet that I follow, but I take care to ensure that I maintain a certain intake of fluids as rehydration is the key to be fit for running. I eat general foods as regularly as possible. I like Jamaican food, and I am particularly fond of pork.
Do you have any superstitions or fetishes before a race?
I tend to be very focused on my race. The focus and commitment at the beginning of every race comes from my preparations and discussions with my coach and my technical team.
Can you explain the two trademark gestures — the chest thumping-look back and the javelin-thrower?
I love performing in front of a crowd and nothing gives me greater pleasure than a packed stadium. I have therefore found it easy to celebrate and the celebration emerges through a couple of gestures that have invariably become synonymous with me. I have kept on doing the “To di Werl pose” (the javelin-thrower).
What are your goals over the next few years?
I would like to keep being at the top of my game and successfully defend my titles at the 2011 World Championships and the London Olympics of 2012. Besides that, I will consider any other event or competition that may be feasible to me and my schedules.
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Harbhajan Singh enacts Bolt’s famous “To di Werl pose”
as Sachin Tendulkar looks on; (bottom) Cristiano Ronaldo |
Who has been your idol in athletics?
Well, I admire the history of Jamaicans Herb McKenley (who won medals at the 1948 and 1952 Olympics) and Don Quarrie (considered one of the world’s best sprinters in the 1970s, he participated in five Olympics).
Running apart, which other sport are you into?
As a kid, I was into cricket and football. I also occasionally play football even now.
Are you in touch with players from other sports?
I have had the pleasure of meeting American basketballer Kevin Garnett, Derek Jeter who plays baseball for the US, and soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo. I have also met and interacted with a few from my own sport.
You have admitted to being a Sachin Tendulkar fan. Have you ever met him?
I have watched him play on a number of occasions, but haven’t ever had the chance to meet him personally.
What are you non-sporting interests?
I am a great lover of Jamaican dancehall and reggae music. I also like watching a good action movie from time to time. However, I am more into video games because I find that playing video games relaxes me a lot. Since I also love competing even when I am not on the track, these result-oriented video games are very popular with me. I compete with my friends in these games.
You have a huge fan following in India. Any message for your fans here?
I appreciate the love and adulation from my fans from countries all around the world. I look forward to any opportunity to perform in India, provided it is in keeping with my training regime and competition schedules.
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