What Was Usain Bolt?s Favorite Sport Growing Up?

Usain Bolt is arguably the greatest sprinter of all-time. During a professional career spanning well over a decade, the Jamaican broke several records while achieving unprecedented success on the global stage. In fact, when one looks at his accomplishments, it may be hard to fathom that athletics wasn’t his favorite sport.

However, that is the case with the 35-year-old. Although he eventually took up sprinting in school, it wasn’t his favorite sport initially.

What was Usain Bolt’s favorite sport in his childhood?

Born in the small town of Sherwood Content in Jamaica, Bolt grew up in an environment which encouraged sprinting. In fact, the Caribbean country has a structure in place which nurtures the best sprinters to compete on the global stage.

Despite that, Bolt‘s favorite sport wasn’t athletics. In fact, it was cricket, a sport in which Jamaica also produced players like Chris Gayle.?During a recent interview with the Guardian, Bolt revealed how his father’s interest in cricket drew his own. In addition, he admitted that his favorite cricket team was that of Pakistan’s.

He said,?“We were always playing football and cricket in the streets,? he says. “Cricket was my life, because that?s all my dad would watch. He was a massive West Indies fan, but I didn?t understand why I was supposed to support them just because I was from the West Indies, so I supported Pakistan.

“I was a massive fan of Waqar Younis (the youngest Pakistani Test captain in history). He was a fast bowler and really good at bowling yorkers.”

The Jamaican also spoke about his ability to bowl yorkers before his cricket coach gave him the advice which changed his life.?“I was a fast bowler, too. One day, my cricket coach saw me and said: ‘Maybe you should try sprinting on the track as well.’ I did both for a while, but when I got to high school, I started focusing more on track and field because that was where my talent lay.”

READ MORE: What Was the Top Speed Olympic Legend Usain Bolt Could Hit in a Race?

Usain Bolt admits he still watches cricket matches

Bolt admitted he still watches the 20-over format of the game, while admitting he could do with some batting practice.

“I still watch 20/20s, but I?m not sure what people would think if they saw me bowling down the wicket at them,” said the 35-year-old. “I think I could still bowl, but my batting needs a lot more practice.”

In his career, Bolt won a staggering eight Olympic gold medals. He still holds the world record in the men’s 100m and 200m events, which look likely to remain for quite some time.

WATCH STORY: A Day in the Life of 17-Year-Old Usain Bolt