The Jamaican legend: “My generation had more talent than the girls have today. Popularity? I’ve always been spontaneous, today some people force it.”

The last shot before the starter’s gun went off was of him, who remains king: Usain Bolt, attending a major event as a spectator for the first time, watched the 100m finals from a VIP lounge in the stands. And it was from there that, shortly before—with his usual disenchanted air, but several pounds heavier than when he was running—he allowed himself to chat about everything under the sun. The Lightning Bolt was spot on: “There will be a Jamaican double,” he predicted, referring to the men’s race. Gold to Oblique Seville, silver to Kishane Thompson. Ten years after its last title, the Caribbean island is once again the world leader in speed.

Usain, what is so special about these two guys?

“They have shown throughout the season that they have grown and are in great shape. What’s more, they are both well trained.”

Have they ever asked you to give them a hand?

“I tend not to get involved, but it could happen if their coaches came forward. I would never offer myself.”

Seeing Shelly-Ann Fraser in the final at 38, did you feel any regret?

“Of course: Shelly-Ann is impressive. She’s not the only one still on the track at that age. But no one else is at her level.”

You made your debut at a major event without being on the field: how did that feel?

“It was exciting, live competitions draw me in. In front of the TV, on the other hand, I get nervous. I don’t like having to keep certain commitments… Covid and then a ruptured Achilles tendon at the Paris Games prevented me from being there before. I’m very happy to be here.”

Speed aside, what will you be following most closely?

“The hurdles and the 800 meters, neither too long nor too short.”

Four years ago, Marcell Jacobs took over from you as the Olympic 100-meter champion. Today he is struggling. What advice would you give him?

“Understand what is happening to him. Think about himself, his life, and his routine. To recover properly from injuries, it’s better to stop. Even for a long time. When it happened to me, I went from one consultation to another.“

You are more popular than today’s stars: how do you explain that?

”It makes me proud; it means I have sown well.”

Why are today’s champions less successful?

“It’s a question of personality: I’ve always been spontaneous in my behavior. I remember, for example, that once, in London, I recognized the Queen: I greeted her instinctively, recognizing her value, not out of calculation. Today, however, some people force situations. They want to be empathetic and likable at all costs, and it doesn’t come very naturally to them (any reference to Noah Lyles is not entirely coincidental…, ed.).“

What was your secret?

”I was lucky enough to win the 2002 World Under-20 Championships at the age of 15, in front of the Kingston crowd. That event taught me how to handle pressure from a young age. I quickly gained confidence in myself, and from then on, everything was easier.“

For ten years, despite new shoes, no one ran the 100 meters in 9.75 seconds like Thompson did this season. Why?

”My generation had more talent. The same is now emerging among the girls.”

Many say that the new Bolt will be 17-year-old Australian Gout Gout: what do you think?

“He has great qualities, he impresses me at times. He can become a boon for our sport. I wish him a smooth transition to the senior level, to stay out of physical trouble, to always be surrounded by a good coach and a good staff. But let’s not burden him with responsibility.“ Do you keep any memorabilia from your achievements, apart from medals? ”I give them to my sponsors or as gifts on special occasions. I would have liked to keep the baton from the 4×100 in London 2012, which we won despite a mess with the world record. But my wife said to me, ‘What’s the point? What are we going to do with it?’”

How do you spend your days now?

“I wake up just in time to say goodbye to the kids as they leave for school, then I relax, watch a few TV series, and maybe go to the gym, but only if I’m in the mood. Then, when they come home, I spend time with them. Until they annoy me… So I watch movies and play with Lego. Running? Never. Although when I climb the stairs I get out of breath, so maybe I should start.”