Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt confirms plan to retire in 2017
The world's fastest man wants to hang up his spikes after the 2017 World Championships in London.
By
Igor Mello
•
1 min read
Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt told the Daily Mail he plans to retire from track and field after the 2017 World Championships in London -- the place where he last won a gold medal.
The 28-year-old six-time Olympic gold medalist previously indicated that the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro would be his swan song, but appears he's slightly changed his mind and wants to finish in the city where he last won a gold medal -- London.
"That was the initial plan (to sign off after Rio)," Bolt said. "But my sponsor has asked me to go on for another year; to 2017 and London. But I'll be doing one event, the 100. I've already discussed it with my coach. I can concentrate on that, and on retiring on a winning note."
Bolt will turn 30 on the last day of the Olympics in Rio and is seeking to become the first track and field athlete to win three straight gold medals in the 100-meter, 200-meter and 4x100 relay race, something he has already predicted he'll accomplish.
"That would be great," Bolt said. "That would be awesome. That's what I work for. Over the years I have said I want to become a legend. I want to be remembered as one of the greatest sportsmen ever."
Bolt, the world-record holder in the 100 meters with a time of 9.58 seconds, has won six gold medals in all, three each at the last two Olympiad (100 meters, 200 meters, 4x100 meters - Beijing 2008; 100 meters, 200 meters, 4x100 meters - London 2012).
Bolt started training again in October and will compete in the 2015 World Championships in Beijing from Aug. 22-30 as a tune-up for the Games in Brazil. He is the most decorated male athlete in the history of the competition with eight gold and two silver medals.
