'I even tried g***a' - The times fastest man alive Usain Bolt almost went astray doing 'drugs'

Usain Bolt winning the 100m final at London 2012 Olympics |Photo Credit: Imago

'I even tried g***a' - The times fastest man alive Usain Bolt almost went astray doing 'drugs'

Funmilayo Fameso 20:49 - 23.01.2025

World's fastest athlete in history Usain Bolt once had a period he almost went rogue by trying different unpalatable things. Luckily, he was held back, which later propelled his career to the success he has today.

Usain Bolt is one of the few great athletes in history who retired as a clean sprinter in track and field, thereby making him a fan favorite worldwide.

Throughout his active career years from Beijing 2008 when he broke into world recognition, to his retirement year in 2017, Bolt remained clean achieving his historic success on the track.

Usain Bolt retired as a clean runner throughout his career as a track athlete

However, there were moments in the legendary Jamaican's life when he could have easily gone rogue and had to make a choice. One such moment occurred during his adolescence, which he revealed In his autobiography, Faster Than Lightning

“Girls wanted to hang with me because I’d been in every single newspaper in the country and I was the local celebrity.” Everyone wanted to touch the “local celebrity,” said the eight-time Olympic gold medallist, referring to 2002, after winning the 200m and 4x100m titles at the world junior championships in Kingston.

It was this period his moment of trial came and almost went astray, but couldn't bring himself to do it.

“One time I even tried g***a, which I know sounds like a pretty messed-up admission coming from an Olympic gold medallist, but straight up it was something I did only once, and I regretted it immediately, even though when I lived out in the country, lots of people smoked the stuff,” said Bolt in his autobiography.

Another time, the eleven-time world champion tried a joint during one of his encounters at the football field. This time too, his experience was far from enjoyable.   

Usain Bolt goeas down memory lane for Diamond League debut
Usain Bolt retired as the greatest track athlete in athletics history

“As soon as I sucked on the rolled-up cigarette, I hated it.”  That was the red signal for him. He never returned to that bumpy road again. Rather, during the last days of his professional career, the Jamaican sent out his message on the issue- loud and clear. 

“I’ve always been strong on doping. I feel like athletes should get life bans. If you go out of your way to cheat to be a better athlete I feel you should get life bans, that’s a fact.” 

“I’ve proven to the world you can do it. You can be great without doping, that’s one of the things I want to preach to the younger kids.”, said the living legend on younger athletes taking a cue from his legacy.

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