Remember when Usain Bolt dropped that anthem, “Jamaica All The Way,” to hype up Team Jamaica before the Paris Olympics? It was such a vibe, getting the island energized. Even though Jamaica is a small Caribbean country with less than 3 million people, it’s a powerhouse when it comes to athletics. For Usain, it’s not just about his legendary career as the fastest man in the world. He’s genuinely pumped whenever any Jamaican athlete does something to make the country proud. And recently, a 27-year-old athlete did just that, and Bolt can’t stop talking about it.

So, how many of you know about Khadija Monifa “Bunny” Shaw? Yep, she’s a Jamaican football star. Bunny plays as a forward for Manchester City in the Women’s Super League and is also the captain of the Jamaican national team. Recently, showcased a scintillating performance and scored a hat trick during a 4–o victory, against Tottenham Hotspur and even scored the first one just 23 seconds into the game! This victory propelled City to a four-point lead, in the Women’s Super League standings.

Now, we all know Usain Bolt is a huge Manchester United fan, but even he couldn’t resist giving props to Bunny. After her epic performance, Usain shared his thoughts with Sky Sports Football on November 17th. There he praised Bunny, saying, “Bunny Shaw is one of us, a Jamaican, so I told her it’s hard to support her, but I have to support her. She’s great, and she has done extremely well for the country-to represent well for the country.”

When the interviewer asked how big a star Bunny is back home and what she’s doing for girls’ football, Usain responded, “For me, it’s massive, you know what I mean? It’s always so much to have somebody to look up to—our young girls can look up to her, you know? Because I think the world of women’s football is developing and getting big, and Jamaica is a small island. So, to have a superstar like Bunny Shaw in Jamaica, something somebody can aspire to is a big deal.” Usain Bolt’s words reflect his pride, in Bunny and her achievements. But Usain Bolt also gave her a piece of advice that the soccer sensations seem to have engrained in her being.

“The sports life is over” – Usain Bolt opens up about his football journey

Back in January, when Bunny Shaw was rising to new heights in her career, Usain Bolt offered her some valuable advice—something Shaw later revealed herself. She shared, “He’s [Bolt] always been supportive. We speak about my progress. We have a good relationship. When he’s in town, he lets me know, and we link up. If I’m struggling with certain aspects, like strength work, I’ll reach out to him.”

Shaw also recounted a meaningful conversation they had in March: “We had a really good conversation, and he told me some things I could work on to get an edge over defenders. It’s just the little things, and he always says the little things matter the most.” Bolt’s mentorship highlights how much he values helping other Jamaican athletes excel on the global stage. But you might be wondering—how does Usain Bolt know so much about football, right?

After Usain Bolt retired from athletics in 2017 he aimed to transition into a footballer drawing on his speed and athletic abilities. He actively pursued this goal through trials, such, as playing for Australia’s Central Coast Mariners and training with clubs like Borussia Dortmund and Stromsgodset. Despite showing improvement in his skills and fitness, Bolt encountered difficulties in achieving that fabled level in soccer. He rejected a proposal, from a team in Malta because they couldn’t agree on terms and eventually in 2018 his soccer aspirations came to a close.

Looking back on his journey, in soccer, Bolt expressed he had given up on the sport entirely with no regrets. “The sports life is over.” While admitting it didn’t go as planned, he emphasized he had no regrets: “It was fun while it lasted… You live and you learn. It was a good experience, and I really enjoyed being part of a team.”

Now, the eight-time Olympic gold medalist and record breaker is diving into new business ventures enthusiastically. But he hasn’t let go of his pride, for Jamaica and continues to support his Jamaicans and their achievements on the world stage. What are your thoughts on Bolt’s spirited support for his fellow countrymen/women? Tell us in the comment section below!