Usian Bolt to retire after the 2017 World Championships in London
The fastest man on the planet, Usain Bolt gave his word earlier this week regarding his early retirement. He had earlier mentioned about retiring after the 2016 Olympic Games, but due to a lot sponsorship commitments, he couldn’t pursue the same and decided to step out of the track after the 2017 World Championships in London. He will solely focus on his favourite and most celebrated sphere, the 100 m race. He had his doubts about competing in the 100 m due to his height, which he assumed to be a hindrance. However, his more than normal long legs proved to be his weapon and he never looked back again.
Bolt is currently the brand ambassador for Puma from which he earns his major chunk of money. He plans to retire on a winning note and on an all time career high beating his own records. He currently holds the World Record in 100 m(9.58s),200m(19.99s) and 4x100m( 36.84s) track events. He will attempt to beat these records in his upcoming World Championships in Beijing this year from August 22-30.
He believes once his form is back on track , nothing can deter him and his possibilities are infinite.
What is in this for India?
We did have great World Class athletes like Milkha Singh and P.T Usha. However, athletics is not a frontrunner in our country as in other parts of the world. We definitely have immense potential in this domain. We cease to develop grants, infrastructure, hire coaches and develop talent in this sphere. Sports like badminton have taken a big jump in the country especially after the introduction of the Indian Badminton League(IBL) and such is expected out of Athletics as well.
Why is it that big events like Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon is always won by the Kenyan or Ethiopian runners and not by an Indian. This is a serious cause of concern and should be looked into and brought into notice of the government. We could begin with selections on national levels and promoting our Athletes in every Athletic meet around the world. Instead of only the north, we must make it popular in every state.
With the retirement of Usain Bolt, there will undoubtedly be a fissure in World Athletics. Millions of viewers worldwide shall be robbed of the pleasure of watching the Lightning Bolt run on the field. Like many former athletes, Bolt could take up coaching as his next goal or perhaps return on the field. Hence the 2017 World Championships and most importantly the Olympic Games will be one of the major events to look out for.