Bolt shakes off nerves to win final race on Jamaican soil
KINGSTON, Jamaica: 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 30-year- 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 nervewracking.”
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 lightningbolt pose for the final time at home.
“There is 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.” Usain Bolt
The nine- time Olympic gold medallist Bolt did not run in the fastest 100 metre race of the evening, but his devoted fans didn’t care.
He ran in front of a sea of green and yellow clad Jamaican fans who showed their pride by dancing, waving f lags and blowing vuvuzela horns while fireworks lit the sky.
Bolt said the reception he received was larger and louder than he anticipated.
“I never expected this. I knew it was going to be big but the stadium was jam- packed with people supporting me I appreciate that,” he said.
“To see everybody turn out shows that what I have done for the sport is a big deal to them.” — AFP
I don’t think I have ever been that nervous to run the 100 metres. Just the atmosphere and the people. The support they came out and gave me, it was really nerve-wracking.