“When people see your personality come out, they feel so good, like they actually know who you are.”
Usain Bolt
Although he may be viewed as an idol to many young runners around the world, Bolt looked up to his own track and field idols. From the Jamaican 100 meter and 200 meter former World Record holder, Don Quarrie, to Herb McKenley, Bolt oftentimes mimicked them while training—hoping one day to be as good as they were.
Running track was not Bolt’s first love, however. The game of cricket was on Bolt’s mind as a child. He has often stated that if he had not become a sprinter, he would have been a fast bowler in the world of cricket. As a child, he cheered on the Pakistani cricket team and was very fond of the bowling technique of Waqar Younis. He was also a fan of the famous Indian batsman Schin Tendulkar, the West Indian opener Chris Gayle, and the Australian opener Matthew Hayden.
During a charity cricket match, Bolt was able to live out a childhood dream and clean-bowled Chris Gayle. Gayle was impressed with Bolt’s pace and swing and that he even struck a six off of Chris Gayle’s bowling. Curtly Amrose, a former West Indies fast-bowler, was in attendance to witness the charity match and he was also impressed with Bolt’s cricket talents.
Bolt also loves the game of soccer. He is a fan of Manchester United and Real Madrid. He has also admitted to being a big fan of the Dutch striker, Ruud van Nistelrooy. After an event in Manchester, Bolt had an opportunity to meet the Manchester United team at their training ground. During a conversation with Cristiano Ronaldo, Bolt offered him some advice on his sprinting techniques, which Cristiano gladly accepted. Manchester United decided to make Bolt a special guest during the 2011 UEFA Champions League Final in London. Bolt was very honored to attend and even publicly stated that he would like to play for the team upon his retirement from the world of track and field.
Bolt has expressed, on many occasions, his love of music and dance. He has even played to a crowd in Paris as a Reggae DJ, which was a tremendous success. Anyone that knows Bolt off of the track has described him as a simple, laid-back individual that never takes himself too seriously. Although his days of pulling pranks are far behind him, he still enjoys making people laugh and smile whenever he can.