Usain Bolt has discovered that the sport of athletics has been missing him since the retirement of the former top runner six years ago. According to the 36-year-old Jamaican, the sport’s popularity has waned because no one with Bolt’s charisma has yet emerged to replace him. The eight-time Olympic champion notices that improvement is coming and sees a role for himself in this.
He told Reuters news agency that Bolt was interested in a position with the World Association of Athletics Federations. “I hope to play a role and help the sport grow. I offered myself, but I’m still waiting for an offer. There have been talks, but we’ll have to wait a little longer.”
Last year’s World Cup in Eugene, USA, was an example of the declining popularity of athletics, according to Bolt. But the former expert in the 100 and 200 meters is not yet worried about the Olympic Games next year in Paris. “America is not the best place for athletics. Paris would be great because it’s easy to get to and the French always have good athletes. So I’m looking forward to that.”
After nearly a decade of Bolt’s dominance in the sprint, the Jamaican men have failed to win a gold medal in the last two World Cups. The world record holder in the 100 and 200 meters has pinned his hopes on youngsters Akeem Blake and Obelik Sevilla, who finished fourth last year.
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