Commonwealth Games 2018: Usain Bolt hints at return from retirement

What’s the story?

Usain Bolt – the fastest man in the world has set his fans and the media buzzing amid the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia. Less than a year into his retirement from athletics, Usain took to his Twitter account suggesting that he may be coming back on the tracks.

The Jamaican runner has been closely following the games and has also made occasional appearances in the stands at various events at the Commonwealth Games, in support of his country.

The eight-time Olympic champion took to his Twitter account to raise a few eyebrows when he posted a couple of cryptic tweets this Saturday morning. The 31-year-old posted on Twitter, while watching his fellow Jamaican athletes,

Watching the relay just now made me ask myself a few questions. Anyhow #TeamJamaica all day everyday #GoldCoast2018 #CommonwealthGames

— Usain St. Leo Bolt (@usainbolt) April 14, 2018

His tweet went online right after Bolt saw Jamaica, led by Yohan Blake, having to settle for the bronze medal in the men’s 4x100m relay as England took gold.

Following this one, Bolt posted another one of these mysterious Tweets. His second one read:

Did I retire too soon? Hmmm

— Usain St. Leo Bolt (@usainbolt) April 14, 2018

In case you didn’t know…

Bolt won gold medals in all of his three Olympics appearances, his debut being in 2008 in Beijing, China, in both the 100m and 200m. Over the last decade, he has been one of the most prolific athletes, along with USA star swimmer Michael Phelps.

The heart of the matter

Having won multiple gold medals around the world during his time with the Jamaican team, Bolt expects his fellow compatriots to do better than the Bronze level performances they are delivering at the present. Taking to his social media to express his concerns, he hinted at making a comeback on the tracks to help his country and teammates win bigger.

With his tweets, he has caused a huge roar among his fans and the media while receiving a mixed bunch of reactions to his posts on Twitter. While some think his return seems to be a great idea, others have expressed that he retired gracefully and should stay retired while the Jamaican team should rise from Bronze to Gold on their own terms.

What's next?

While the Jamaican athletics contingent stands tall at the second spot, right behind hosts Australia, with twenty-five medals in their kitty, one can only wonder how many the Caribbean country would have won with Usain Bolt still running for them.

Overall, Jamaica is placed at the eleventh position with seven Golds, nine Silvers, and ten Bronze medals safe under the belt. It is always a treat to watch the ever passionate Jamaican runners take the stage and give it their best shot.

Yes, maybe they are lacking a talent hub like Bolt; however, it is important for them to learn to make the most of the available talent that their team is full of and capitalise on each opportunity they can.

Author’s take

One of Usain Bolt’s paramount counterparts, Michael Phelps did make a comeback from retirement for one last relish of Olympic swimming grandeur at Rio 2016. Likewise, if Bolt does decide to return, he will only make the athletics’ world mature wealthier with his presence.

As tempting an opportunity it may be to watch Bolt come back, the Jamaican athletes need to find their way up on their own. Their dependence on the star-runner cannot be a reason for him to make a return and help Jamaica maintain their golds.

On another note, Bolt should focus on growing as a footballer now, as that is something he seems to be good at, during his time at Borussia Dortmund. Having him make an appearance in the Bundesliga is something his fans would certainly look forward to.