Bolt confirms Rio Games will be his last

Usain Bolt has confirmed that this year’s Olympics in Rio de Janeiro will be his last appearance at athletics showpiece event.

The Jamaican had contemplated going on to the 2020 Games in Tokyo, but the 11-time world champion has decided to bring down the curtain on his incredible Olympic career.

Bolt has six gold medals from 2008 and 2012, and the 29-year-old will aim to become the first man to do the triple-triple of the 100 and 200 metres as well as the 4 by 100 relay.

IN HIS WORDS

Speaking after winning his 10th world title at the 2015 World Championships

“That’s what I’m here for. I told you guys I’m here to show the world that I’m the best. I want to be undoubtedly one of the greatest sprinters ever to compete in this sport and that’s my aim. I have two more seasons to go and I’ll just continue winning and dominating.

“I think I’m already a legend. I’ve proved that to the world. It’s just adding to my legendary status now. If I want to be among the greats, I have to continue winning until I retire and that’s my aim.”

Speaking before the 2015 outdoor season

“My main focus will be trying to break the 200 world record because it’s my favourite event and one of my biggest goals is to try to go sub-19. I’ve always wanted to do that so I’ll focus more on the 200 metres when it comes to the world record. But I’ll always be running the 100 metres.”

On potential retirement plans

“I’ve said I want to try professional football to see if I’d be any good. I think I will be but you never know. When it comes to being a coach, no! Don’t want to be a coach. I’ve seen what I’ve put my coach through over the years. I really don’t want to go through that with any athlete. Other than professional football, I just want to be a lazy person, be a bum at home!”

Speaking at the end of the 2013 season

“At the beginning of the season, I was talking to my coach, we sat down and we were talking about how long he thought I could go on in track and field, I was saying 2017 would be the max. He says no, you probably could go to the Tokyo Olympics if you wanted to. It’s kind of far. It’s something that’s on his mind not my mind. I want to retire in 2017 but even if I don’t run here, I’ll definitely be here because I enjoy watching track and field.”

-Report by OmniSport