Usain Bolt, one of most accomplished athletes in sprinting history, told the Associated Press that he plans to retire following the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games.
Usain Bolt retiring after 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro
One of sprinting’s greatest athletes plans to hang up his spikes after the Rio Olympics.
Paul Gilham
Bolt has dominated the sport for the better part of a decade, but the Jamaican sprinter is hoping to go out on top in Rio. The 27-year-old plans to set a world record in the 200 meters while taking another gold medal back to Jamaica.
“So far, (it) is after the Olympics in Rio,” Bolt said of his retirement plans. “I think if I am in great shape, I’ll go there and do what I have to do. I think it will be a good time to retire on top.”
Bolt is one of the most decorated athletes in recent Olympic history, claiming six gold medals between the Beijing and London games. The sprinter swept the 100-meter, 200-meter and 4x100-meter relay in both of those appearances, repeating that feat in the 2009 and 2013 IAAF World Championships.
His three golds in Moscow last month made him the most decorated sprinter in world championship history, bringing his total to eight gold medals and two silvers. The Jamaican is also the current record holder in the 100-meter, 200-meter and 100-meter relay races.
Bolt told the Associated Press that hopes to be remembered as one of the world’s greatest athletes, not just sprinters.
“If I want to be among the greats of (Muhammad) Ali and Pele and all these guys, I have to continue dominating until I retire.”
He has a chance to do just that if he’s able to retire on top at the 2016 Olympics.
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