Usain Bolt is returning to the Olympics! Although the return of the icon is bliss, the 37-year-old has already cleared the air that he is not making a comeback to the tracks anytime soon. Appearing for an interview recently, the 8x Olympic Gold medalist opened his heart out about how he felt about the game.

A hint of nostalgia brushed Bolt’s voice when he stated that looking at the athletes at the track, he does miss being a part of it. However, Bolt’s coach apparently tried to get him to break his retirement. What’s more, he also used Shelly-Ann Fraser Pryce as an example! 

Usain Bolt opens up about Olympics and praises Shelly-Ann Fraser Pryce

Bolt will be in Paris not as a competitor but purely as a spectator. In an interview with Athletics Weekly, the Olympic legend was asked if he still misses running. Bolt answered, “I miss the Olympics…every part.” He further doubled down on the legends of the game who are still competing to the best of their abilities. 

Citing Shelly-Ann Fraser Pryce as an example, Bolt stated, “I watch the girls compete like Shelly-Ann, I get nervous… And my coach always said if Shelly-Ann could be doing it still you could.” Pryce and Bolt are of the same age. Belonging to the same country, Pryce will be looking to close in on her 4th Olympic gold medal in Paris.

Unfortunately, Bolt’s coach’s attempt to fire him up with Pryce’s example did not work. The ‘Fastest Man on the Earth’ also stated that he missed the roars of the crowd when he entered the arena. Interestingly, this is not the first time that Usain Bolt has brought up Shelly-Ann Fraser Pryce. 

Bolt had words of praise for Shelly-Ann Fraser Pryce after the 2022 Worlds

Setting the track on fire, Pryce clocked an incredible time of 10.67s in 100m at the 2022 World Championships. Heaping praises on the fellow, Bolt stated, “Shelly’s longevity and commitment are beyond special and I am super proud of her especially knowing we basically started running together from junior days.” 

Bolt also acknowledged the female track and field prowess of Jamaica. Citing the likes of Shericka Jackson and Elaine Thompson-Herah as inspiration, Bolt congratulated the trio for leading the charge. Now with the world record to play for, Bolt would be waiting to witness the crowning of a new champion, perhaps a new fastest man. 

Continue to Read: “I Remember Watching the Race Live”: Usain Bolt’s Iconic Race Takes His Fans Down a Memory Lane