Nine-time Olympic gold medalist Usain Bolt told CGTN Europe of his excitement at this summer’s Olympics and tipped his daughter as a future athletics star…

Nine-time Olympic gold medalist Usain Bolt told CGTN Europe of his excitement at this summer’s Olympics and tipped his daughter as a future athletics star…

 

Nine-time Olympic gold medalist Usain Bolt has shared his excitement ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, expressing his enduring passion for athletics and revealing hopes that his young daughter could one day follow in his legendary footsteps.

In an interview with CGTN Europe, the Jamaican sprint icon reflected on his Olympic journey and the thrill he still feels when the Games come around. Although he retired from competitive athletics in 2017, Bolt remains one of the sport’s most influential figures, and his legacy as the fastest man in history continues to inspire athletes and fans alike.

“The Olympics is still the pinnacle of sport,” Bolt said. “Every four years the world comes together, and there’s nothing like watching those races, seeing the athletes push themselves to the limit. I’m really looking forward to Paris—there’s a lot of new talent coming through.”

Bolt, who won gold in the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay at three consecutive Olympics from 2008 to 2016, spoke enthusiastically about the current generation of sprinters. While he acknowledged that no one has yet come close to breaking his world records of 9.58 seconds in the 100m and 19.19 seconds in the 200m, he believes the sport is in good hands.

“I think athletics is in a good place. We’re seeing some very exciting young athletes, and I’m excited to see who rises to the occasion in Paris. That Olympic pressure brings out the best in people.”

However, the highlight of the conversation was when Bolt spoke about his children—especially his daughter Olympia Lightning Bolt. At just a few years old, Olympia is already showing signs of athletic potential, and Bolt playfully suggested that she might be the next big name in sprinting.

“She’s very active, very fast for her age,” he said with a smile. “I don’t want to pressure her, but if she wants to get into athletics, I’ll support her 100 percent. She already races around the house and tries to beat everyone!”

Bolt has always emphasized the importance of family, and now as a father of three, he sees his legacy not only in his world records and Olympic titles but also in the next generation. While it remains to be seen if Olympia or her siblings will pursue sports seriously, the prospect of a second-generation Bolt in the starting blocks has already captured the imagination of fans around the world.

As for his own role in Paris 2024, Bolt hinted that he may attend in a symbolic or ambassadorial role, but made clear he will be watching closely. “Once you’ve lived the Olympic life, it stays with you. I’ll be cheering from the stands—or the couch—just like everyone else.”

With the Paris Games just weeks away, the world is eager to see new stars rise. And while Bolt has passed the baton to the next generation, his charisma, legacy, and now his daughter’s potential keep him firmly in the spotlight.