“I just stay away from social media — I stay away from all the articles. You’ll hear stuff here and there, but I try to stay away as much as possible,” such is the stance of track-and-field legend Usain Bolt. However, it is not easy to skip public scrutiny in a world that practically runs itself. On the same token, the fastest man alive became a subject of social media perusal and fell prey to body shaming censure.

Fans and sporting enthusiasts are electrified by Bolt’s achievements and never shy away from expressing their fascination. Now, it’s been a good six years since the Lightning Bolt left his beloved arena. However, the social media cult often indulges in the darker side of shaming athletes based on their post-retirement appearances. And Bolt is not an exception!

Usain Bolt received criticism for his post-retirement persona

With his ripped physique, the Jamaican never failed to stand atop the podium multiple times during his prime. Whether it is the Olympics or the World Championships, the sprinter ensured to fuel his prowess on the tracks to clinch a series of golds and silvers at those competitions. Nevertheless, ever since he retired in 2017, various conjectures were formed about the Olympian’s physique. 

Along similar lines, recently, the track-and-field star took to his Instagram handle to wish his twin boys, a happy birthday. In the first picture, the Jamaican sprinter can be seen holding Thunder Bolt in his arms, all while donning a green PUMA t-shirt. In another still, the Olympian was holding Saint Leo Bolt and wore a white shirt. However, in the celebratory post, what caught the social media’s attention was not the two adorable kids, but Bolt’s belly.

Comments like, “Bro can’t run that fast again with that belly”, “Never thought I’d live to see the day Usain Bolt got a belly”, “looks like daddy added some weight”, “Bro u should keep the athlete image bro lol Wtf weh u a do wid Belly fam cut it lol”, and “bro is out of shape” started coming in. Nonetheless, a multitude of Bolt’s supporters came forward to express their disregard for such comments, and penned their perspectives on body-shaming culture.

Fans went frenzy over derogatory opinions

Expressing their disdain over body-shaming comments, Bolt’s fans penned…

“People commenting on his body lmao bro is the fastest man to have ever lived and has cemented his legacy as the absolute goat so yeah he can do whatever taf he wants”

“Why the man must keep up 6 pack. Him nah run anymore. He relaxing and enjoying the fruits of his labor. Leave him alone.. Happy Birthday to your twins. people always have a da*n comment. When the man did a wake up 6 o’clock a morning fi go train and uno still a sleep you was saying anything????”

Read More: “Bro Is Jogging”: Resurfaced Video of Usain Bolt’s 9.84 Seconds Run, Leaves Sports World in Denial

However, this is not the first time when an athlete received a hoard full of criticism based on his physical appearance. For instance, swimming legend Michael Phelps often becomes the subject of speculation based on his biological attributes. So, are the debates and conjectures that question the years of unquantifiable determination and hard work that these athletes put into their sport viable? Give us your outlook in the comment section below.

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