Bolt: 'I'm going to miss the Olympics'

Usain Bolt put on a show, anchoring Jamaica ahead of Japan and the United States to complete the 'triple-triple', having swept the 100m, 200m and 4x100m in Rio, just like he did at the Games in Beijing and London previously.

Published : Aug 20, 2016 12:59 IST

Usain Bolt stood on top of the world, bowing out of the Olympics with a perfect record.
Usain Bolt stood on top of the world, bowing out of the Olympics with a perfect record.
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Usain Bolt stood on top of the world, bowing out of the Olympics with a perfect record.

There is no doubt about it, Usain Bolt will not compete in another Olympic Games and the greatest sprinter of all time is relieved it is now done and dusted.

Bolt ensured he bowed out a winner in Rio, claiming a ninth gold medal from as many races after helping Jamaica to victory in the 4x100 metre relay on Friday.

The 29-year-old put on a show, anchoring Jamaica ahead of Japan and the Canada to complete the 'triple-triple', having swept the 100m, 200m and 4x100m in Rio, just like he did at the Games in Beijing and London previously.

With his career as an Olympian finished, Bolt - who is looking forward to a vacation - told reporters: "It's a great feeling. I've worked hard every Olympics. I've proven to the world I'm the greatest so I'm just happy.

"It's mixed feelings. It's relief because it's really stressful -- the years that I've gone through injury problems. It's been so much. It's a relief but I'm also sad I have to leave and this is my last one. I'm going to miss the competition and it's just so many different feelings I'm feeling.

"I'm going to miss the crowd. I'm not going to miss these interviews. I've done like 500 since I've been here, but I'm definitely going to miss the crowd and the energy and just the competition. I love competing."

Bolt, who dubbed himself as "the greatest" post-race, added: "All the weight is gone now. It's a relief, I've done it all. I've accomplished so much. I'm just proud of myself that I executed and got it done.

"People always ask me if I'm unbeatable, and when it comes to a world championship, personally I think I am unbeatable."

Reflecting on his Olympic campaigns, Bolt was asked if he foresaw such dominance on the track before his first Games in 2008.

"Not even close. I would have never thought I could go back-to-back-to-back Olympics, you know what I mean," he said.

"That first one [Beijing 2008], I was just happy. That second one [London 2012] was a challenge. And then to come here [Rio 2016] and do the third one is just unbelievable.

"For me, it's something that I hope I set the bar high enough, so that no one can do it again. I'm just proud of myself."

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