Usain Bolt opens up on greatest-ever rival that pushed him harder than anyone else

Eight-time Olympic gold medalist Usain Bolt has opened up the toughest opponent of his glittering career.

The 37-year-old, who is widely regarded as the greatest sprinter of all time, remains the world record holder in the 100 metres and 200 metres, 15 years after the history-making feat.

Over the years, Bolt faced off against some tough competition. From American pair Tyson Gay and Wallace Spearmon to fellow Jamaican sprinter Yohan Blake, he brushed off some incredibly talented athletes.

But when asked about his greatest sprinting rivals during a recent appearance on The Obi One podcast, he named Justin Gatlin as the rival who stood out amongst the rest.

"I think Justin Gatlin, I have to give my hats off to him," he said. "The last five years of my career, maybe five six years, it was just me and him, every season and he kept me on my toes, and I love the competition."

Bolt has previously stated that Gatlin’s mental preparation and attitude towards competition that makes him different.

And in the podcast, Bolt recalled an incident from 2016, when he was unable to get motivated for the 2016 Olympics in Rio until he was shown a video of Gatlin saying he would win gold and parade it around America.

Bolt would go on to beat Gatlin in the Olympic final but a year later, the American memorably beat his great rival in the 2017 IAAF World Championships 100-metre final.

"[Gatlin] is one of the best I have faced," Bolt said in his post-race interview. "He deserves to be here, he’s done his time, and he’s worked hard to get back to being one of the best athletes.

"He’s run fast times, he’s back and he’s doing great. I look at him like any other athlete, as a competitor."

Image credit: Getty

Gatlin responded, saying: "Usain is a great athlete, a great man. He leaves a huge void with his character and athleticism. I respect him utmost. Every time we come across the finish line I shake his hand."

Bolt retired after the 2017 World Championships, where he won a bronze medal in the 100-metre sprint and finished eighth as a member of the 4 × 100-metre relay team after suffering a hamstring injury.