I felt untouchable - Usain Bolt reveals humbling lesson of his career in chat with Mikel Obi

Izuchukwu Akawor 16:18 - 19 July 2024

Jamaican track legend Usain Bolt speaking during a chat with Mikel Obi. (Photo Credit: Mikel Obi/IG)

Jamaican track legend Usain Bolt speaks to Mikel Obi on the biggest lesson he learnt on his journey to greatness in athletics.

Usain Bolt, the fastest man in history and eight-time Olympic gold medalist has shared with Mikel Obi a pivotal moment from his early career that shaped his approach to athletics.

In an honest conversation on Mikel Obi's "Obione" podcast, Bolt recounted a humbling experience from his first season on the professional circuit that taught him the value of hard work in addition to natural talent.

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Usain Bolt recalls wake-up call

The Jamaican sprint legend, known for his record-breaking performances and charismatic personality, admitted that his initial confidence bordered on overconfidence.

"When I started out because I was so talented, I didn't train as much," Bolt revealed. "I used to beat all the seniors in Jamaica. I was like, 'Okay, all the big guys, it sounds like it's easy'."

Usain Bolt is regarded as the greatest athlete ever. || Imago

This early success in Jamaica led Bolt, who also reflected on his legendary rivalry with Justin Gatlin, to believe he was "untouchable" as he entered the international circuit.

However, reality quickly set in as he faced a string of defeats in his first season.

Usain Bolt with Mikel Obi.

"I never won a race in the first season," Bolt confessed, the surprise still evident in his voice years later. I never won a race because I was like, 'Oh it is easy, I mean I am beating these guys so it should be easy when I get on the circuit'."

Confused by his lack of success, Bolt, who recently injured himself playing football, turned to his coach for answers. The response he received became a turning point in his career and mindset.

Usain Bolt and Justin Gatlin had several encounters on the tracks.

"Everybody that is on the circuit has talent," his coach explained. "It is who works at the talent the most is going to be the best."

This revelation was eye-opening for the young Bolt, who quickly realised that at the highest level of competition, natural ability alone wasn't enough.

Usain Bolt retired as the greatest sprinter in history but Jamaica may have found his heir. || Getty

"If you are here, you got talent, the best of the best on the circuit," Bolt reflected. "It is who puts in the work to develop that talent is going to be good."

This lesson marked a significant shift in Bolt's approach to his sport.

Usain Bolt clocked the 200m World Record of 19.19s at the world championships in Berlin

"That's when I started saying, you know what, let me start putting in some work," he said.

This newfound dedication to training, combined with his exceptional natural abilities, would eventually propel Bolt to become one of the greatest athletes in history.

Usain Bolt clocked the 100m WR of 9.58s at the Berlin 2009 World Championships

Bolt's story serves as a powerful reminder that even the most gifted individuals in any field must couple their talent with hard work and dedication to truly excel.

It also offers a glimpse into the mindset that helped shape one of sport's most iconic figures, underlining the importance of humility and continuous improvement in the pursuit of greatness.