Worlds fall short in describing the greatness of Usain Bolt. The Jamaican is arguably the greatest athlete ever seen, and his legacy will never be forgotten. His performances have become so iconic that even those who have never seen him race are aware of his greatness. He has held the world record for the fastest 100m run since that historic day in 2009. The figure of 9.58 seconds has become synonymous with him and was the title of one of the books he wrote about his life.

Bolt’s records are not the only things he is known for on the track. He was also famous for using mental warfare against his opponents while running. The Jamaican would regularly urge them to pace up and catch up with him while he was leading. He was also known for his showboating, often celebrating just before crossing the finish line. All this would heavily rattle an opponent who had already seen firsthand that they were nowhere near his level. During the 2008 Olympics 100m final, Bolt slapped his chest as he crossed the finish line. He was criticized by many for this action, with some calling it disrespectful. The Jamaican, however, simply said that he was just happy to see himself win the race.

Wallace Spearmon’s thoughts on Usain Bolt’s antics

In a recent podcast, one of Bolt’s former rivals, Wallace Spearmon, opened up about how the Jamaican’s antics would often annoy him. He recounted an instance during a 4×100 relay where Bolt constantly played mind games with him, eventually overtaking him in the race.

He said, “I remember we were in the 4x100m. I get the stick first, I’m on the anchor leg. He [my teammate] hands me the stick three to six meters up. I don’t know what it really was, I’m exaggerating on the low end, and Bolt catches me.” He continued, “But literally, in the whole 100m, I can hear him. ‘Alright Wallace, I’m coming. Get your knees up. Get your knees up. Look good. I’m coming alright. Look up, look left, here I am all right. Dip at the line. Ahhh. Alright great job’.” Spearmon was clearly rattled at that time.

“We crossed the line and you see me walk up to him and I got real close. And I was like ‘Don’t you ever do that again bro’. I was like ‘what’s wrong with you man?'” While the Jamaican and him now seem like good friends after both of them calling at a day, he didn’t enjoy it back then. But Bolt winning that race, only shows how has tactics used to always work on his opponents. These tactics combined with his skills is what made him the athlete everyone fondly remembers today.

Usain Bolt’s achievements during his storied career

Usain Bolt arguably has the greatest legacy in track and field history. He has won a total of 29 medals, 23 of which are gold. In the Olympics, he never lost a single race across the three editions he competed in, securing eight gold medals. His 9.58-second record in the 100 meters is even more remarkable when you consider that not only does he hold the fastest time, but he also occupies the second and third spots on the all-time list.

The fastest times after Bolt’s 9.58 seconds are 9.63 and 9.69, both set by the Jamaican. Tyson Gay and Yohan Blake have matched the 9.69 mark, but neither has come close to Bolt’s 9.58 or 9.63. There is a very small chance that anyone will break these records within the next two decades.

Even today, whenever a 100m race takes place, the question of whether someone will break Bolt’s record is always on people’s minds. That’s how Bolt is remembered: as a legend with a legacy that remains unmatched.