Usain Bolt to retire in 2017

Usain Bolt says he will retire after the 2017 world titles, despite initially saying he would bow out after the 2016 Olympics.

Jamaican sprint icon Usain Bolt says he plans to retire in glory after the 2017 World Championships in London.

The 28-year-old six-time Olympic champion had previously suggested he would retire after the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, but now says he will continue until 2017, albeit only in the 100 metres.

"That was the initial plan (to retire in 2016)," he told the Daily Mail newspaper.

"But my sponsor has asked me to go on for another year, to 2017 and London.

"But I'll be doing one event, the 100. I've already discussed it with my coach. I can concentrate on that, and on retiring on a winning note."

Bolt's main focus for 2015 will be the World Championships in Beijing in August.

He hopes to add to his collection of eight world titles and also wants to break the 100m world record of 9.58 seconds that he set at the 2009 worlds in Berlin.

"Well, it takes races," he said. "But 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.

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

"I remember when I won in Beijing (at the 2008 Olympics), people were saying how Tyson (Gay) wasn't there. So for me the World Championship the following year, when everyone was there, that was good."


Share

2 min read

Published

Source: AAP


Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world