In the summer of 2004, Usain Bolt was one of the rising prospects from Jamaica. Bolt had stirred up quite the hype as the junior world record holder in the 200m, and many expected the then-17-year-old to succeed at the Olympics. However, the 2004 Summer Games would be a humbling experience that would snip the high-flying rookie’s wings on the track.

While interviewing Bolt, The High-Performance Podcast host, Jake Humphrey, described the 2004 Olympics as a “proper slap on the face” for the Jamaican. Despite his status as the track and field GOAT, the 38-year-old didn’t take offense and agreed. However, Humphrey wanted to know why it still took Usain Bolt three more years before tuning into the record breaker.

Usain Bolt had a simple answer to the podcast host’s question. “I was still young.” said the 38-year-old. Despite bowing out of the Olympics 200m in the first round after a disappointing 21.05 finish, the youngster was in denial. “I was still like, saying, ‘Oh! Because I got injured in the season a little bit. You know…” recalled Bolt, who had suffered an injury in early 2004.

“You’re telling yourself, and it comes back to where you start to lie to yourself.” Bolt explained during his discussion with Jake Humphrey and Damian Hughes. “I’ll be fine next season.“ the eight-time Olympic gold medalist recalled during the interview. However, things didn’t change with the following season. Despite his talent, the Jamaican looked to blame external factors for every bump in the road.

However, as the podcast host pointed out, Usain Bolt made huge improvements ahead of the 2008 Summer Games. At the Beijing Olympics, Bolt ran 100 meters in 9.69 seconds to win gold and set a world record. In contrast, just a year ago at the 2007 World Championships, Bolt had run 100 meters in 10.03 seconds. And the icon made these strides thanks to one simple change.

“If it’s one thing I’ve learned… You can be truthful to yourself. That’s how you get better,” explained the world record holder. What started as an embarrassing exit at Athens 2004, culminated in Lightning Bolt setting two monumental 100m and 200m world records. Nearly a decade after his retirement, those records are still holding strong.

Usain Bolt’s verdict on his two prestigious records

In August 2009, Usain Bolt set the 100-meter world record at 9.58 seconds at the World Athletics Championships in Berlin. During the same meet, the Jamaican sprinter also set the 200-meter record at 19.19 seconds. Despite attempts by several sprinting icons, including current Olympic champion Noah Lyles, no one has come close to breaking these records.

So when The High-Performance Podcast hosts asked Bolt if he was worried about losing the 100m and 200m records, Usain Bolt didn’t flinch. “Not worried about none of them,” said Lightning Bolt with confidence. However, the sprinting legend did believe that the 100-meter record would be harder to beat. “I think the hundred will be harder (to break) because it’s quicker.” said the Jamaican.

“If you make a mistake during the race, you’re not going to get it. It’s a lot more technical… I tried to set the bar so high that it’d probably never be broken,” the 38-year-old track and field legend added. However, while Bolt’s records may be untouchable, every track and field athlete could learn from how the veteran sprinter eliminated distractions and focused on his own flaws.