Featured Image Credit: Getty/High Performance
Topics: Usain Bolt, Athletics, Olympics
Tom Jenkins
Usain Bolt didn't hesitate when naming his dream 4 x 100m relay team, as the fastest man in history chose the team that would 'win gold easy'.
Bolt retired from Athletics in 2017 after he failed to finish the 4×100m relay final at the World Championships as he pulled up with injury just metres from the line.
During his final championships, Bolt finished third in the 100m and opted out of the 200m event.
Advert
Bolt holds the world and Olympic record for every event he competed in, and has won Gold in 100m, 200m, and the 4 x 100m at three separate Olympics taking his gold medal tally to nine.
While the 100m final might be the most popular event in Athletics, true fans would tell you the true action always occurs in the relay.
Speaking recently on The High Performance Podcast, Bolt was asked for his dream relay team and was initially taken aback by the question.
“Wow, wow, wow, wow, wow," Bolt said.
Advert
However, there were never any doubts over the three runners who would join him on track.
"It would definitely be Asafa [Powell] to start, then Justin [Gatlin], Yohan Blake and me at anchor. Those would be the four."
As he's the current Olympic champion, some may be confused at the emission of US athlete Noah Lyles, but in context, it really isn't too shocking a call.
Lyles' personal bests are significantly lower than Bolt's dream team, but at just 27 years old the American does have time on his side to make it more of a debate.
Advert
Despite winning gold in the 100m in Paris Lyles is more known for his abilities in the 200m, however, Lyles only finished 3rd and blamed his poor result on COVID-19.
"I have definitely had better days but I am walking around again," he explained after the race.
"I was quite light-headed after that race and the chest pain was definitely active.
Advert
"After a while, I was able to catch my breath and get my wits about me. I am feeling a lot better now. It definitely affected my performance."