Usain Bolt Open to Sensational Olympics Return - ‘I Will Be Ready’

Eight-time Olympic gold medallist Usain Bolt has not ruled out a sensational return to the Games in 2028, but this time, it would be on the cricket pitch rather than the athletics track.

The Jamaican sprinting legend, who retired from track and field nearly a decade ago, still holds the title of the "World's Fastest Man." His world records in the 100 meters (9.58 seconds) and 200 meters (19.19 seconds) remain untouched by the current generation of sprinters.

After hanging up his spikes, Bolt briefly pursued a career in professional football, training with Australian A-League club Central Coast Mariners in 2018, though he did not secure a contract. However, his first sporting love was cricket, a passion he developed in his youth with ambitions of becoming a fast bowler. It was his cricket coach who famously encouraged him to try track and field, setting him on a path to global stardom.

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With cricket set to make its Olympic return at the Los Angeles 2028 Games after a 128-year absence, Bolt has expressed his willingness to participate if called upon by the Jamaican team.

"I am happily retired from professional sport," he told Esquire as per talkSPORT. "I haven’t played cricket in a long time, but if they call, I will be ready!"

The 39-year-old icon, who served as an ambassador for the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, also shared his thoughts on the current top athletes in his former sport. "I think the top male and female athletes are Mondo Duplantis and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone," Bolt stated. "They have been winning consistently and breaking records for several years. They always bring their ‘A game’ when it matters."

Swedish pole vaulter Duplantis has repeatedly broken the world record, while American star McLaughlin-Levrone is a dominant force in the 400m hurdles, holding the world record and defending her Olympic title in Paris.

While Bolt enjoys his post-retirement roles, including his position as 'Director of Performance' at Puma, he remains a keen observer of athletics. Last year, he identified fellow Jamaican Oblique Seville as a potential successor to his 100m world record.

"I feel like Oblique can do it," Bolt said on The Fix Podcast. "If he can stay fit during the season and get it right, I feel he can do it, because I am sure there is something there, the ability to do it."