Jamaican pride Usain Bolt is known for his achievement of winning eight gold medals. He maintains the record for the fastest 100m sprint at 9.58 seconds. His retirement in 2017 followed a hamstring injury, during the World Championships 4x100m relay. Despite stepping out from sports, injuries still are part of his life. On June 9th, Bolt ruptured his Achilles tendon during a charity football match in London while playing in Soccer Aid, an annual event raising funds for UNICEF.
Usain Bolt had to be stretchered off at Stamford Bridge. He later shared an Instagram post confirming that he, “Ruptured Achilles but done know we a warrior“. Shortly after, many wished him a speedy recovery, including his long-term friend Chris Gayle. Among all the well-wishers, there was also a warning call from his American rival, who is referred to as the “pantomime villain” of Usain Bolt. Despite their friendly yet competitive relationship, the concern and rivalry between them remain evident.
Justin Gatlin, who is ranked fifth on the all-time list for the 100m with a record of 9.74 seconds, commented humorously on Usain Bolt’s recent post, saying, “Bro, what you out here doing?!? We retired, remember?” Gatlin retired in 2022, making his comment amusing as both he and Bolt are former track and field athletes. The joke was about why Bolt was putting himself in situations that lead to injuries despite their retirement.
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Their relationship on the track was what Gatlin once described as a “gentleman’s rivalry.” Gatlin gave Bolt significant competition, especially towards the end of Bolt’s career. While Gatlin may not have been Bolt’s fastest opponent, he was certainly his longest-standing rival and the only person to defeat Bolt in a major championship after 2007. Bolt acknowledged this by saying, “He’s one of the best I have faced.” This fierce competition reached its peak in 2017 when Justin Gatlin ruined Usain Bolt’s farewell party by winning the 100m at the World Championships and later bowed down to Bolt.
A respectful rivalry between Usain Bolt and Justin Gatlin that defied expectations
In August 2017, Justin Gatlin disrupted Usain Bolt’s farewell celebration by clinching the world 100-meter title. Despite being 35 years old at the time (now 42), the American sprinter faced a crowd’s chorus of boos due to his doping past, having been suspended in 2001 and 2006. Gatlin, a former World and Olympic champion who had narrowly lost to Bolt in the 2015 Worlds final executed his sprint flawlessly, crossing the line in 9.92 seconds.
Despite the upset, Gatlin immediately showed his respect to Bolt by bowing down, acknowledging the legendary sprinter’s final race. Bolt’s record-breaking feats at the 2008 Olympics set a new standard in sprinting, inspiring Gatlin, who was serving a doping ban at the time. Gatlin acknowledged Bolt’s achievement as a goal to strive for, despite his own past success.
In 2014 and 2015, Gatlin emerged as a dominant force in the 100m, challenging Bolt’s reign, but Bolt’s ability to perform at his best when it mattered most solidified his status as the ultimate competitor. But off the track, they are like friends who tease each other. Bolt’s once playful nickname Gatlin as “old man,” to which Gatlin retorts by calling Bolt a “middle-aged man.” (the age difference between them is 5 years).
Their banter extends to Bolt teasing Gatlin about his gray hairs, to which Gatlin responds, “Everyone always has something to say about my gray hairs. But I say it’s not gray — it’s my wisdom.” But their bond is also full of respect. In 2022, Gatlin openly acknowledged how his rivalry with Bolt propelled both of them to greater heights in their athletic careers. Gatlin emphasized Bolt’s recognition of their mutual influence, recalling, “Bolt even went on record to say that I pushed him (to get better), especially at a point when he felt like the sport did not excite him.“
Furthermore, Gatlin consistently held deep respect for Bolt as both a person and an athlete, stating, “Usain is a great athlete, a great man. He leaves a huge void with his character and athleticism. I respect him utmost. Every time we come across the finish line, I shake his hand, I give him a hug, and tell him congratulations.“ Despite their Jamaican and American rivalry, their mutual respect and camaraderie shone through, illustrating the beauty of sport in fostering connections beyond nationality.
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