Bolt runs his final home race
Kingston (Jamaica), June 11: Usain Bolt partied with his devoted fans in an emotional farewell at the National Stadium on Saturday as the world’s fastest man ran his final race on Jamaican soil.
Bolt wanted to go out in a blaze of glory as he won the 100 metre “Salute to a Legend” race in front of a raucous crowd of 30,000 on the same track where he launched his international career at the world juniors in 2002. The 30year-old Bolt leaped out of the blocks and cruised to victory in a time of 10.03, well below his world record time but good enough to beat a solid field.
“I don’t think I have ever been that nervous to run the 100 metres,” said Bolt, who is retiring in August following the World Championships.
“Just the atmosphere and the people. The support they came out and gave me, it was really nerve-wracking.”
After the race the Bolt took a victory lap then returned to the track and the no. 5 lane where he kissed the finish line before flashing his signature lightning-bolt pose for the final time at home.
“There are no words,” Bolt said. “From world juniors to now I have always been getting great support from Jamaica.
“I never thought I would ever reach this height in track and field. My only aim was to be a 200 metre Olympic champion.
“I have done all I have done. Being a legend now is something big. But I couldn’t have done it without the support of my parents.”
The Jamaican speedster says his farewell season is more about saying thank you to his fans than trying to break his world records of 9.58 seconds in the 100 metres and 19.19 seconds in the 200 metres.