Athletics after Bolt

When one man wins 13 individual World and Olympic gold medals, sets 5 world records and delights fans with his charm the way Usain Bolt has, you won’t replace him in a hurry. That’s the reality Jamaica and the world of sport must accept after he retires this year. There is, however, comfort in another time-tested truth. Life will go on.

Like Pele, Ali and Jordan before him, Bolt’s time to retire has come. His planned departure marks the end of a golden era. Asafa Powell and Bolt have traded the 100 metre world record. Yohan Blake won the only World 100 title Bolt missed since he began to dominate. In his pet event, the 200 metres, Bolt has won everything important from 2008 onward.

When he retires, Jamaica’s gilt-edged guarantee of gold in the sprints will disappear. It won’t be all doom and gloom as Blake heads an experienced crew who will keep the land of wood and water in the running. Blake, Warren Weir, Nickel Ashmeade and Rasheed Dwyer are all just 27 and should carry high levels of performance into the 2019 World Championship and the 2020 Olympic Games.

Blake and Weir, 2nd and 3rd to Bolt in a 200 metre sweep at the 2012 Olympics, aren’t back to top speed after bouts with injury. Blake, however, was a close fourth in the Olympic 100 final last year and appears to be gradually regaining great form. 2014 Commonwealth 100 victory Kemar Bailey-Cole is in that category too.

To Read More: Purchase your copy of Volume 9 #1 – May – June 2017