Track legend Bolt leaves behind big shoes to fill

TRACK and field is at a crossroads in the post-Usain Bolt era, a sports marketing expert says.

The Jamaican retired on Saturday after the London 2017 World Championships and an Olympic career which garnered six individual gold medals and eight in all.

Bolt’s on-track performances in the 100 metres and 200m and his showmanship off it attracted spectators and sponsors, who may now be less inclined to invest in track and field due to the void he leaves behind.

M&C Saatchi Sport and Entertainment chief executive Steve Martin said: “It’s at a natural crossroads. The issues off the track are actually compounding what’s going on on the track.

“A young audience is being more and more sceptical of the performances they’re seeing.

“Bolt has been the shining light and kept track and field alive since before 2012.

“We’re not talking about any other athletes who have that ability to transcend the sport. He’s a once in a lifetime, really.

“It’s left a big hole and a hole I don’t see being readily filled for quite a while.”

Four-time Olympic champion Sir Mo Farah, who is retiring from the track to focus on road running, including marathons, also provides an issue for track and field athletics.

“Track and field needs heroes. All sports do,” Martin added.

“Track and field could never more need a hero and heroines to come through who can lift the sport, educate people about it and entertain, ultimately. Bolt was the ultimate entertainer and I don’t see anyone coming through that can fill his shoes, that can fill even one of his shoes.”