Usain Bolt Clarifies Fitness Joke and Eyes Future

Usain Bolt has set the record straight, insisting his recent comments about being out of breath were just a joke and that he is now in the best shape of his life. The sprint legend clarified his remarks during a relaxed media appearance in Budapest on September 13, where he also discussed his engagement, the new World Athletics Ultimate Championship, and the future of his iconic world records.

Bolt insists he's in peak condition

A year after telling journalists in Tokyo he got out of breath walking up stairs, Bolt laughed off the story. He said the claim was exaggerated for effect and that reporters took his joke out of context. "I'm in the best shape of my life," Bolt stated firmly. Part of his renewed fitness drive is linked to his engagement to long term partner Kasi Bennett, the mother of his three children. He proposed to her on his 40th birthday last month. Bolt confirmed he has been hitting the gym regularly while in Budapest, working out every day. "I'm happy with where I'm at," he said.

He wants his records to last until his kids understand

Bolt has a very personal timeline for when he hopes his legendary world records will finally fall. Speaking to reporters on August 17, the eight time Olympic gold medalist explained he wants the marks to stand for at least another six or seven years. His reason is deeply familial. "I think I want it to last at least till my kids understand who I am," Bolt said. He has three young children with Bennett: Olympia Lightning, and twin sons Thunder and Saint Leo, born in May 2021. Bolt wants to be able to show them his accomplishments before anyone else rewrites the history books. "Then after that, it doesn't matter," he added.

A robot broke his 100m record, and he just smiled

The sporting world was briefly abuzz in early September when a humanoid robot named Tiangong Ultra clocked 8.64 seconds for the 100m at the World Humanoid Robot Games. That time shattered Bolt's world record of 9.58 seconds, set in 2009. Asked about the mechanical challenger in Budapest, Bolt was more amused than threatened. "It's just one of those things. I guess that's where the world is going right now," he said with a laugh and a shrug. "It just made me smile."

Bolt endorses the new Ultimate Championship

Bolt's appearance in Budapest was as an ambassador for the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship, which concluded on September 13. He gave the new event his full backing, praising its different vibe and substantial prize fund. The championship features a record $10 million prize pot. Bolt said the athletes he spoke to were enthusiastic about the innovations. "I think they're loving it," he reported. His own focus, however, was briefly elsewhere during the media session. A lifelong Manchester United fan, Bolt was keen to wrap things up to watch the Manchester derby. "United is playing right now. Very important time," he noted.

His place among the sporting greats is secure

Reflecting on his legacy, Bolt said his ambition was always to transcend athletics. He wanted to be mentioned in the same breath as global icons like Muhammad Ali. "I'm happy that I'm actually in the conversation," Bolt stated. His records have remained untouched for 17 years, with challengers like Noah Lyles, Christian Coleman, and Fred Kerley still chasing his times. The next generation, including Gout Gout, is also closing the gap, but Bolt's marks stand firm for now.

• Key Takeaways:
• Usain Bolt retracted a year old joke about his fitness, stating he is currently in the best shape of his life.
• He hopes his 100m and 200m world records last another 6 7 years so his young children can appreciate them.
• Bolt endorsed the new World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest, which offers a $10 million prize fund.