Sprinting legend Usain Bolt has made a candid confession about his life after retirement, admitting that his once-extraordinary fitness has waned to the point where "I get out of breath when I walk up stairs." The 39-year-old Jamaican, who recently made a rare public appearance at Tokyo's National Stadium, revealed that his current daily routine is a far cry from the disciplined life of an athlete, now largely revolving around family, watching movies, and building Lego sets.
Despite his more sedentary lifestyle, the competitive fire in Bolt's belly is far from extinguished. When asked why the current generation of male sprinters isn't as fast as his, despite advancements in technology, Bolt’s response was characteristically bold: "You want the real answer? We're just more talented." He pointed to the performances of women sprinters like Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, whose times have improved with new "super spikes," as evidence that talent, not technology, is the key ingredient.
Bolt, who retired in 2017, still holds three world records that have stood untouched for more than a decade: the 100m (9.58s), the 200m (19.19s), and the 4x100m relay (36.84s). He noted that even his contemporaries, such as Tyson Gay, Yohan Blake, and Justin Gatlin, were faster than the current crop of sprinters. No male athlete has broken the 9.70-second barrier in the 100m since the London 2012 Olympics.
The eight-time Olympic gold medalist, who ruptured his Achilles last year, confessed that he no longer runs. "No, I mostly do gym workouts. I'm not a fan, but I think now that I've been out for a while I have to actually start running." While he has struggled with his fitness, it's worth noting that Bolt has also managed a lifelong battle with scoliosis, a spinal condition that he once said almost ended his career but which he managed through consistent therapy and core strengthening.
Beyond the track, Bolt’s legacy continues to inspire. He encouraged current athletes to show more personality to connect with fans, a skill he mastered throughout his career. He also expressed his excitement at the prospect of taking his children, Olympia Lightning, and twin sons Saint Leo and Thunder, to the 2027 World Championships in Beijing. "I get to bring my kids and tell them: 'Listen, this is where it all happened,'" he said, highlighting his desire to pass on the story of his legendary career to the next generation.
