What next for Usain Bolt?

The National Student

100m in 9.58s. 200m in 19.19s. A three-time Olympic triple gold medallist. Frequently cited as the best track athlete of all time. But what next?

He’s won a host of medals, he’s shown the world what can be done without performance-enhancing drugs, and ‘electrified’ the world of athletics. Usain Bolt plans to retire after next year’s World Championships in London, and we so look at what could be next on the cards.

Footballer:

He’s a passionate Manchester United fan, and has often expressed a desire to try his hand at the professional game. Through Puma’s mutual sponsorship of Bolt and German outfit Borussia Dortmund, he’s scheduled to take part in training. Although Bolt says that will only take place at the end of next season. It was unclear if he meant the Athletics season (August 2017) or European football (Spring 2018). Either way, can you imagine the pace if you had Aubameyang, Adrian Ramos, Reus and Bolt in the team? You’d feel for Mertesacker if he played that team.

Brand Ambassador:

Bolt has been signed with Puma since he won the 200m at the 2002 Junior World Championships. It’s already been made clear that Puma will not end their deal with the superstar once he retires, and it’s reminiscent of Michael Jordan, whose deal with Nike remained 13 years after he retired. So perhaps Bolt can become a marketing strategy, just as the basketball player was for Nike.

Philanthropist:

Famous athletes carry a whole lot of weight. Look at the fact that during the Nigerian Civil War, a ceasefire was called so everybody could watch Pelé. Bolt’s spikes and various track attire would sell for obscene amounts, and the man could become the face of many an organisation. The Usain Bolt foundation already focuses on providing opportunities, so don’t be surprised if he follows this route.

Cricketer:

It was his speed as a fast bowler which first caused a look into his athletics capabilities. In a friendly in 2009, he managed to successfully clean bowl Chris Gayle, no mean feat by any reckoning. Having pipped himself as an all-rounder, this would certainly be interesting.

Full-Time Celebrity:

Okay so it isn’t exactly what could be called a career. Although his image is massive, and there is plenty of evidence as to what he gets up to. Remember those infamous photos of him with that Brazilian student after his 30th? Not to mention his various dancing antics. So a career of being a face could well be something he’d be interested in.

Before Retirement?

Apart from first competing at the next World Championships, there are a two more things. From Bolt, he said he’d like to beat his 200m once more. For me though, I think a 300m between himself and South African Wayde van Niekerk needs to go down. Settle once and for all, who is the fastest? Bolt said that with van Niekerk, he felt the future of track was in safe hands. As for van Niekerk, his PB for 100 is 9.98… It could be one of the more iconic sub-minute sports events in history.