“It’s been two years. There have been conversations, but nothing has materialized out of those talks. If they were doing enough, it would a reach a certain level already.” Can you guess the speaker’s name? It’s coming from a fighter. A legend. A G.O.A.T. It came from Usain Bolt—a name that still gives goosebumps to track and field fans all over the world. His records in the divisions of men’s sprint still stand as a monument, and he still holds the throne even 8 years after retiring from the sport. But there’s more to him other than his golden track records, and it’s a rather harsh truth!

The good days on the track may not confirm providing equally positive days in the athlete’s personal life. Usain Bolt can be an example. The once-in-a-generation athlete who hardly lost a track battle has now found himself in an unexpected position, trying hard to win a battle much away from his favorite sport, yet so linked. How so?

On February 12, the Jamaican legend dropped two screenshots in his Instagram stories. The screenshots had been from one of the lead stories posted on Jamaica Gleaner’s website. And what topic did the lead story have in store? Usain Bolt’s $12.8 million financial struggle that started two years back! Last year, the Jamaican government authorities “validated” Usain Bolt’s loss from his retirement fund. The lead story claimed that the legend had lost $6.2 million because of the investment firm Stocks & Securities Limited’s alleged fraud.

However, irrespective of the amount going away from Bolt’s account, the truth is that the money came from his retirement fund. Something that he had gathered by putting his effort on the track! And believe in the legend’s words, as he had to push away the mountains to earn those numbers. How? Have you lost track? A little background may help in that case! Back in 2004, those were days when Bolt was still shedding sweat to find his place in the sports. 

As mentioned in Usain Bolt’s biography, Faster than Lightning: My Autobiography. The related part of the story read, “In 2004, Ricky’s lesson was clear: to get more money, to buy cars like Asafa, I had to win some of the bigger races on the circuit. But to win the big races, I had to overcome the likes of Shawn Crawford and Justin Gatlin in the 200 meters, and that was easier said than done.” If you don’t know the characters, here’s a quick update on their identities. 

Once a middle-distance runner, Ricky Simms used to be Bolt’s manager. According to Bolt, Simms rightly knew “the pressures of being an athlete, as well as the financial potential of success.” On the other hand, Asafa Powell, Shawn Crawford, and Justin Gatlin used to be the key names in men’s track sports in those days. In fact, Gatlin had the men’s Olympics 100m title in 2004. Thus, to secure a position in their earnings, one would have to deliver outstanding performances on the track. Yet, how could that have been achievable for an athlete who was still acclimating after his triumphs in the international youth championships?

The coach came with the answers! In his autobiography, Bolt claimed that his coach suggested implementing a few minor changes to his technique, and that helped Bolt’s cause. Changes such as? Bolt was advised to “stare ahead” to avoid losing his steps on the track. Since then, the Jamaican has yet to look back on his matters, irrespective of the type of track.

But in the last two years, the financial fraud has forced him to look back! He has long since moved beyond the golden days that previously made him unstoppable. The situation has reached a level where he is not the current Jamaican hero anymore!

Usain Bolt is still up despite the storm 

The financial fraud has been a ‘damper’ for Usain Bolt. He might not face so many issues because of the daylight rob. But he is not in the contest of becoming the next Jamaican hero. Yes, the 8-time Olympic champion has failed to topple Bob Marley in becoming the winner of the mentioned title. Last year, in a national poll, the Jamaicans chose Bob Marley over him to win the title. Almost 44% of citizens voted for Bob. People continue to regard the late musical icon as the champion of affection. However, was Usain Bolt able to anticipate it?

In the YouTube podcast, The Fix, Bolt didn’t show any kind of rage because of such a result. Instead, he looked firm on his aim. In the conversation, he said, “We always try to uplift Jamaica and put a positive spin out there because you know other people always talk and it’s always a negative energy. So we just try to put Jamaica on the map in a positive way.” And talking about recognition, the 38-year-old said, “We know we nah get national hero until we dead. Dat nah happen fi now so we just a put that out deh. Me nah siddung and stress bout dat.” He no longer cares about it. His tranquility comes from dedicating himself to his country rather than pursuing titles.