1. USAIN BOLT
No one has brought as much glamour, buzz and razzmatazz to modern Athletics like this Jamaican legend, so as he gets set to exit the stage after his final competitive outing at the London 2017 World Championships, the world will certainly pay close attention to Usain Bolt’s final moments on the track.
Since coming to the limelight at the 2008 Olympic Games where he set World Records (WR) in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay, the 30-year old has held fans and foes alike spellbound by his heroics. He became the first athlete ever to complete the ‘Triple Triple’ at the Olympics, winning successive titles in the three events, spanning three Olympic Games.
Bolt is already the most successful athlete of the World Championships with 11 titles to his name, so there isn’t much pressure ahead of London 2017. Also, the Olympic Stadium which will serve as venue for the World Championships, holds fond memories for the Jamaican legend, for it was at that very place he improved his Olympic Record (OR) from Beijing 2008 (9.69s), setting a new record of 9.63s enroute winning the 100m GOLD at London 2012.
He also anchored the Jamaican squad to the current WR of 36.84s at the same competition, running a mind blowing split of 8.70s! Bolt said of London, “I’ve always said it is a good place for me. I came here for the Olympics and it was just magnificent. I know the energy that the fans will bring so I’m looking forward to it. It’s a good place to return. I don’t know if it was somewhere else that I would go – but it’s in London.”
And though he won’t be running the 200m this year, Bolt’s fans will be anticipating an explosive performance from him in London. He said: “I’m not worried. I’m always going to be prepared. I’m relaxed but I’m still a competitive person, I still never want to lose. I’m definitely going to train hard. I’ll definitely be the top of my game when it comes to the Championships.”
We just can’t wait for the World Championships!
