BOLT OUT OF COMFORT ZONE
FOOTBALL: Usain Bolt has begun his A-League adventure with Central Coast, saying he wishes to work hard, get fit and the rest is up to coach Mike Mulvey.
Bolt’s “indefinite” training period with the Mariners kicked off yesterday morning at Central Coast Stadium.
A 15-minute passing drill, which Bolt completed without any terrible gaffes, was Mulvey’s only chance to judge the Jamaican sprint superstar’s football skill but the eight-time Olympic gold medallist is determined to prove his worth.
“I’m entirely out of my comfort zone but that’s why I am here,” Bolt said.
“It’s just like track and field. The first day of training is always the roughest one.
“You can tell how much work you need to put in, but it felt OK. I know it’s going to take time to work and I’m ready to work.”
Bolt claimed he isn’t setting himself any targets, and that his greatest strength on the park – apart from record pace – is that he is cool under pressure. “I’m just going to put in the work,” he said. “I’m just here to push myself. As I told the coach from the start, I’m here with a blank slate.”
Bolt, who retired from athletics just over a year ago, noted he would accept and respect Mulvey’s judgement on whether the Mariners should offer a contract, and that he was ready to play any position.
Bolt added he had received offers from clubs in France and Spain but they weren’t in the top division and he would have had to learn a new language.
Mulvey continues to insist there is no timeline for the potential recruit, who is set to be unleashed for the first time in an August 31 trial game, which will be televised live on Foxtel, to prove his worth.
“We don’t have to make a decision tomorrow or the next day, I’m happy for him to be here,” he said.
“The guy is a winner. Eight gold medals in the Olympics, you don’t just do that by having great ability.” – AAP