In a surprising admission, Usain Bolt has opened up about one of the few regrets in his otherwise legendary career: retiring too early. Speaking candidly on the Go Wild Podcast, the 8-time Olympic gold medalist revealed that he considered returning to professional sprinting in 2019, just two years after his official retirement in 2017. “I honestly think I could’ve gone one more Olympics,” Bolt said, reflecting on the Tokyo 2020 Games. “Watching it made me realize how much I missed the competition, the adrenaline, the roar of the crowd.”
The most striking revelation was that he had approached his longtime coach Glen Mills about a comeback—but was turned down. “Coach said no. He said my time had passed, and we had to leave it at the top,” Bolt explained. While understanding the rationale, Bolt admitted the decision still haunts him. Fans online were quick to voice support, with some even calling for a symbolic return or mentoring role in Team Jamaica.
Bolt’s words offered a rare glimpse into the emotional aftermath of athletic greatness. While most remember him for dominance on the track, this moment reminded the world that even legends wrestle with “what ifs” after the finish line fades.