Bolt's future may be in football

Published: Thursday | October 11, 2012 Comments 0
Usain Bolt teases a staff member by raising a microphone high above his head during his sponsor's event in Tokyo yesterday. The legendary Jamaican sprinter arrived in Japan on Tuesday. - AP
Usain Bolt teases a staff member by raising a microphone high above his head during his sponsor's event in Tokyo yesterday. The legendary Jamaican sprinter arrived in Japan on Tuesday. - AP

TOKYO (AP):

Football may be in Usain Bolt's future.

The Olympic great said yesterday he might try his hand at the global game once he retires from the track.

"I have said I wanted to try football," said Bolt, the world-record holder at both 100 and 200 metres. "I always wanted to try to play soccer. Maybe at the end of my career. It would be something that I would love to try. I watch it on TV and see these guys play. I play it all the time with my friends. I played childhood matches in Jamaica and I did well. I think it is something I would like to try to do."

Two days after saying he would like to defend his 100 and 200-metre titles at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, the 26-year-old Bolt said he may still branch out to other track events.

"To find something else to strive toward," he said about his future goals. "I could always try the 400 metres - which I don't want to do. I could try to run faster over both my events. I could try another event, maybe the long jump or the 400 metres. There are a few things I would like to try in sports that I could work towards. We'll see what I decide at the start of the season."

After becoming the first man to defend both 100- and 200-metre titles at the Olympics, Bolt said his accomplishment hit him once he returned home to Jamaica.

"It's a great thing to achieve a goal you always wanted," Bolt said. "For me it was an honour. I have worked hard to become a legend. For me to go home after the races, sit down, and reflect on what just happened, it was emotional.

"It's a wonderful stepping stone in my life to be a legend in my sport."

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