Usain Bolt says he’s not worried about faltering in Rio Olympics

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Aug 18, 2013; Moscow, RUSSIA; Usain Bolt (second from left) anchors the Jamaica 4 x 100m relay team to victory in 37.36 in the 14th IAAF World Championships in Athletics at Luzhniki Stadium. From left: Dwain Chambers (GBR), Bolt and Justin Gatlin (USA) and Martin Keller (GER). Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 18, 2013; Moscow, RUSSIA; Usain Bolt (second from left) anchors the Jamaica 4 x 100m relay team to victory in 37.36 in the 14th IAAF World Championships in Athletics at Luzhniki Stadium. From left: Dwain Chambers (GBR), Bolt and Justin Gatlin (USA) and Martin Keller (GER). Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

After his record-setting performance at the IAAF World Championships earlier this month, Usain Bolt doesn’t have a whole lot left to prove. He’s already cemented his reputation as one of the most dominant runners in track and field history (Edwin Moses says hi), and he’s unconcerned about potentially tarnishing that legacy if he fails to defend his 100m and 200m titles at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

Bolt spoke to Reuters about the idea of actually — gasp — losing in Rio:

"It wouldn’t be the greatest moment, but I would understand because I’ve had my time, I’ve been dominant for a long time. So, if I get to Rio and it doesn’t happen, I would have to understand because I’m getting older and there are greater athletes coming up. I know the athletes have to work harder to step their game up, and be the best. For me, I’ll be happy for the sport because it would mean its stepping up and moving on."

Bolt will be almost 30 years old by the time the 2016 Olympics begin, which is like 100 in sprinter years (they age like cats). It seems unlikely that he’ll be able to capture multiple gold medals considering how young his competition will be, but betting against Usain Bolt is the type of move only an insane dolt would make.

[Source: Reuters]