Usain Bolt Reveals His Desire to Return to Track and Field: “I Wanted to Correct My Legacy”

Since his retirement in 2017, Usain Bolt’s name has become synonymous with speed and an unparalleled dominance on the track. The Jamaican sprinter holds the world records in both the 100 meters and 200 meters, setting a standard for excellence that few have approached. However, in a recent interview, Bolt admitted that he seriously contemplated returning to the track two years after his retirement. The reason? He wanted to “correct” what he saw as a missed opportunity to end his career on a higher note.

During his career, Bolt won eight Olympic gold medals and left an indelible mark on athletics. However, his final appearance at a major international competition — the 2017 World Championships in London — didn’t go as planned. In his last individual race, the 100 meters, Bolt finished third, a rare bronze medal in a career filled with gold. In the 4×100 meters relay, Bolt’s hamstring cramped in the final stretch, causing him to stumble and fall. For a man whose career had been defined by seemingly effortless speed and a charismatic dominance, it was a disappointing end to a storied journey.

Reflecting on this, Bolt shared in a candid interview that he was haunted by these moments, feeling that he had not given his fans, his supporters, and even himself the ending they deserved. “I’ve always wanted to go out as a winner. I wanted to leave track and field with my head held high, knowing I did my best and finished on top,” Bolt explained. “But after that 2017 performance, I felt like something was left undone. It bothered me for a long time.”

This nagging feeling led Bolt to consider a comeback in 2019, two years after he officially retired. His ambition to return to the track, however, was not merely about adding another medal or record to his name. Rather, it was about proving to himself and the world that he could still be the fastest man on earth, even if only for a fleeting moment.

“I wanted to show everyone that I could come back stronger,” Bolt said. “People always talk about retirement being the end, and I wanted to defy that narrative. I wanted to demonstrate that greatness doesn’t have to fade just because you hang up your spikes.”

While the decision to return was driven by passion, Bolt also acknowledged the doubts he faced during this period. The physical demands of elite sprinting, combined with the fact that he was now in his early 30s, made him question whether his body could handle the rigorous training required to compete at the highest level. Moreover, Bolt had spent two years enjoying his retirement, exploring business ventures, spending time with family, and even dabbling in professional soccer. The shift back to full-time training would require immense dedication and a willingness to sacrifice the newfound freedom he had grown accustomed to.

“Coming back wasn’t just about showing up for one race,” he elaborated. “If I was going to do it, I would have to be all in. That meant training like I was in my 20s again, day in and day out. I didn’t know if my body was ready for that, but mentally, I was ready to go.”

Bolt’s consideration to return didn’t only stem from personal motivation but also from the changing dynamics of the sprinting world. New sprinters were emerging, and records he once set seemed increasingly within reach. In particular, American sprinter Christian Coleman was quickly establishing himself as the new face of the 100 meters, running times close to Bolt’s world record of 9.58 seconds. Watching the new generation step up motivated Bolt, making him wonder if he could still compete at their level.

“Seeing these young guys out there, running fast and challenging each other, it sparked something inside me,” Bolt said. “I wanted to show them that the ‘old man’ could still hold his own.”

Ultimately, Bolt decided against returning, choosing instead to focus on other endeavors and to let his career stand as it was. Part of the reason for this decision was the guidance he received from his longtime coach, Glen Mills, who urged him to consider the potential risks. Mills reminded Bolt that his legacy was already established and that he had nothing left to prove.

“My coach told me, ‘You’ve done it all. You’ve given the world more than they ever asked for. You don’t need to prove anything anymore,’” Bolt recalled. “That advice stayed with me, and it helped me come to terms with my decision.”

While Bolt ultimately decided not to return, he has remained connected to the world of athletics. As a global ambassador for track and field, Bolt continues to inspire young athletes and advocates for the sport’s growth. His influence extends beyond his sprinting achievements, as he works to improve the conditions for athletes worldwide and encourages the next generation to chase their dreams.

Reflecting on his near-comeback, Bolt now views his career with pride rather than regret. “I realized that greatness isn’t just about one last race or one last win. It’s about everything you’ve done along the way, and I’m proud of everything I accomplished,” he said. “I didn’t need to come back to prove I was still fast or still the best. The world knows what I’ve done, and I know what I’ve done. That’s enough.”

In the years since his retirement, Bolt has made peace with his decision to step away from competitive track and field. His legacy as the fastest man in the world remains intact, and he continues to be celebrated as one of the greatest athletes of all time. For Bolt, the decision to leave the sport was ultimately the right one, even if he occasionally wonders what might have been.

In his own words, “I’ve always told people, ‘If you believe in yourself, anything is possible.’ I believed in myself when I was on the track, and I believe in myself now. That’s what matters most.”

In hindsight, Bolt’s story serves as a reminder that greatness is not defined by a single moment or a final race. Instead, it is built through years of dedication, resilience, and the ability to inspire others. Though he may have briefly considered a return, Bolt’s legacy is stronger than ever, standing as a testament to what one man can achieve when he truly believes in his own potential.