Usain Bolt’s story is the stuff of legends. It is a tale of determination and talent. From a young age, Bolt showed an innate love for all sports, but one, in particular, stood out for him. Recently, the iconic sprinter sat for an exclusive interview with Inside Track to share the story of how this childhood passion influenced his journey.

When Usain Bolt entered the track in May 2008 for the Reebok Grand Prix, no one thought that the Jamaican would set a world record. Two months later, he achieved better timings at the Beijing Olympics and became a global sensation overnight. However, not much was known about the champion’s mentality and approach to sports until now.

Usain Bolt’s childhood passion revealed

Many have wondered if there is something unique about Bolt besides his speed. The Lightning Bolt has the rare quality of staying calm under pressure. In fact, he has been seen jesting before major races in the past. His positive attitude and the motto, “Anything is possible. Don’t think limits,” speak a lot about his attitude towards sports. Bolt’s childhood passion for sports, particularly cricket, played a significant role in shaping this attitude.

In a recent interview with Inside Track posted on the World Athletics’ Instagram account, the Jamaican legend said, “Sports was just everything”. The sprinter reminisced about his childhood in Sherwood Content, where he would play cricket with his friends. He really wanted to grow up to be a cricketer and admired the Pakistani player Waqar Younis for his fast yorkers. He has spoken about cricket as his “first love”.

Bolt was also drawn towards soccer, which he played with oranges and other round objects in the absence of a proper ball. His cricket coach had steered him towards sprinting as he noticed Bolt’s exceptional speed on the field. After retiring from track and field events in 2017, Bolt tried to fulfil one of his childhood dreams, but that ended in disappointment.

Usain Bolt giving up on a dream

When Bolt announced that he would follow his childhood dream of becoming a professional soccer player, it sparked excitement among many to witness him showcasing his skills on the field. He excelled in training and even scored a few goals in exhibition matches. However, when it came time for him to join a professional team, Bolt struggled to secure a contract. Feeling quite dejected, he announced his retirement from all sports. He spoke to ESPN and said, “It was a good experience…it was fun while it lasted.”

Read More: “I’m Ready to Unretire”: World’s Fastest Man Usain Bolt Drops $776,000,000 Bomb

The disappointed fans briefly found hope when the sprinter declared, “I have a lot of things in the pipeline”. But Bolt quickly clarified that he will now dedicate his time to business. The sprinter has begun expanding his chain of restaurants and is looking forward to signing major sponsorship deals. A

Watch This Story: University of New Orleans Blesses Track and Field World With a Massive $19 Million Update