Bolt backs SA sprinters to dominate tracks

EIGHT-time Olympic gold medallist Usain Bolt believes South Africa has the potential to dominate sprinting for years to come.

“South Africa definitely has some great talent,” said Bolt.

“I’ve noticed over the past couple of years that you guys have really stepped up your sprinting game. It shows when you can make a 4x100m relay team with top athletes.”

The Jamaican sprint king arrived in South Africa on Wednesday as he is set to co-host the Sun Met at the Kenilworth Racecourse this afternoon.

Bolt is also in the country to launch his champagne line, the “Usain Bolt Cuvée Olympe Rose” .

The 32-year-old believes South Africa has a bright future in sprinting.

“Over the last few years it’s been very apparent that South Africa has gotten better and better on the track.

“The more sprinters you have, the more likely it is that youngsters will be interested in taking up the sport. It’s all about creating role models.

“When kids have good role models, they want to follow in their footsteps. South Africa has great role models and so I won’t be surprised to see more great talent coming out of South Africa for years to come.”

The retired legend, holder of the world records in the 100m and 200m events, revealed that he’s been in regular contact with local athletics superstar Wayde Van Niekerk, his former training partner.

“We speak quite often, actually. Wayde is getting ready for the World Champs in Doha. He says he is happy and pushing hard. But I told him to keep one eye on the Olympics in Tokyo and to not over-exert himself.”

It will be the first time that Bolt will attend the World Champs as a spectator. He retired after the 2017 World Championships, when he finished third in his last solo 100m race.

“It will be the first time I’ll be watching the competition and enjoying it. I want to be there to try and motivate my fellow countrymen to win.”

Bolt was delighted at being back in South Africa, having first visited the country last year.

“I had a wonderful time last year and when I was informed that we would be back here I was very happy. I’m always happy to be here. It’s like the Motherland for me here.”