Usain Bolt was told not to race rival sprinter who was adamant he could have beaten him 'if circumstances were different'

Sprinting legend Usain Bolt was once told not to race against a rival who claimed he could've beaten him if circumstances were different.

Bolt, 38, will forever be one of the greatest athletes of all time.

During what was truly an illustrious career, the Jamaican won eight gold medals in the Olympic Games and also 11 gold medals in the World Championships.

Ever since 2008, Bolt has held the world record for the 100m event.

He first broke the record during a Grand Prix meet in New York, where he clocked a time of 9.72 seconds.

He then went quicker during the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, running a stunning time of 9.69 seconds in the 100m final.

A year later, Bolt broke his own world record again when he clocked 9.58 at the 2009 World Athletics Championships in Berlin.

Since then, many have tried and failed to get close to the Jamaican's record, raising questions over whether the time will ever be bettered.

Back in 2023, Bolt's former Jamaica teammate, Yohan Blake, claimed that he could've beaten the legend if circumstances were different.

He said: "Usain Bolt is a great king and if wasn't for certain things I could've taken over.

"I give him all the respect he deserves, I have been training with him over the last 10 years and trust me, he's not a normal man!"

Yohan Blake and Usain Bolt. Image: Getty

Back in 2012, Bolt was advised by coach Glen Mills to not race against his training partner.

As reported by The Telegraph, Bolt was advised to concentrate on fulfilling his remaining commitments without picking up an injury.

The report stated: "Bolt said he had been advised by Glen Mills, the coach he shares with Blake, not to race his training partner in the last few races of the season and to ­concentrate on fulfilling his remaining commitments without picking up an injury.

"But money is also a factor in the ­decision of the two sprinters to avoid each other. That it would take plenty of it to stage an Olympic rerun is clear. It is understood that organisers of the Zurich meeting attempted to broker a deal but fell short."

Speaking at the time, Blake said: "I would run with Usain any day, he’s my training partner.

"I would love to run with him, but they have to put up big money."