Usain Bolt to retire after 2017 World Championships

Multiple world record-holder and six-time Olympic gold medal winner Usain Bolt will retire after the 2017 World Championships in London, the Jamaican told reporters this past weekend.

The 28-year had previously hinted the 2016 Rio Olympics would be his last competition but sponsorship commitments dictated he will continue until 2017 where he will focus solely on the 100 meters. “That was the initial plan – to sign off after Rio,” he said.

“But my sponsor has asked me to go on for another year, to 2017 and London. But I will be doing one event, the 100. “I have already discussed it with my coach. I can concentrate on that, and on retiring on a winning note.”

Bolt holds the world records for the 100 meters, 9.58 seconds, the 200 meters, 19.19 seconds, and the 4×100 meters relay, 36.84 seconds, and talked of his drive to beat those times in 2015.

His 2015 season culminates at the World Championships in Beijing from August 22 – August 30 where he will attempt to add to his eight world golds and beat the 100 meters record he set in Berlin in 2009.

“If everything goes well this season, in my life anything is possible. If I can get myself in good shape, it should be wonderful this season,” he added.

“I live for competition. I thrive on competition. I live to compete against the best. It means a lot when you beat the best.”

Source: Reuters