By NAN Sports Editor
News Americas, LONDON, England, Sun. Aug. 13, 2017: Hours after Caribbean athletic legend Usain Bolt stunned fans globally by pulling up and then domersaulting to the track at the 4×100 meters men’s finals of the IAAF World Championships in London, the triple Olympian insisted he will be back to bid adieu to his fans officially in the stadium today, August, 13, 2017.
Speaking on video from I am Jamaican.com, Bolt from a massage table where he was being treated, said Saturday’s turn of events was definitely not the way he wanted to go out.
It’s “not the way I wanted to end my championship but what can I say … I left everything out there on the track …I’ gave it my all as always,” said the Jamaican sprinter. “I’m in here now getting treatment and I want to thank everybody that came out to support.”
Bolt was ramping into warp speed when suddenly, stunningly, the sprint turned into a somersault and he collapsed on the track after taking the baton from Yohan Blake to run the final leg of the relays for his country Saturday.
Kevin Jones, a doctor with the Jamaican team, said after the race that his preliminary diagnosis was that the world’s top athlete had suffered an acute muscle cramp in his left hamstring. He, however, could not rule out the possibility of a muscle tear.
The doctor said that a slight delay at the start of the race — because of the length of two medal ceremonies that preceded it — might have contributed to Bolt’s situation.
“It was cold back there, and the guys were complaining,” Jones said.
Blake told reporters afterward: “They were holding us too long in the call room. Usain was really cold. In fact, Usain said to me, ‘Yohan, I think this is crazy, 40 minutes and two medal presentations before our run.’”
Omar McLeod, who ran the first leg for the Jamaican team, also criticized the delay.
“We were really trying our hardest to stay warm and keep upbeat, but it was ridiculous,” he said.
Bolt did not dwell on the what ifs’ of his injury and did not discuss the details of it in the video post but instead thanked all who came to see him run.
“Sorry I didn’t get a chance to say bye or anything but I will be back In the stadium tomorrow… I will come and say good bye . I just want to thank you for everything.., really appreciate it,” he said before ending with a peace sign.
On Twitter and Instagram he kept his post even shorter stating: “Thank You my peeps. Infinite love for my fans. #LoveAlone.”
His team mates on the relay team also took to social media to send their support. “Thank you for everything you have done for the sport, us athletes and especially our country! We salute you Legend! @usainbolt,” McLeod tweeted.
Julian Forte, who won the second leg, took to Instagram to state: “Not the way we wanted to send you off bro but unfortunately these mishaps are a part of our sport. Really had big plans to send you off in style and pop some champagne after but you’re still a legend, still the GOAT and still the person who has taught me so much about the sport. We will try our best to fill these humongous shoes you will leave behind. Help me salute a true living legend @usainbolt! Happy retirement! #Legend #GOAT #usainbolt #london2017.”
Bolt will end his career on the track with 11 World Championships gold medals and 6 Olympic Golds. He will turn 31 on August 21.
