Puma brand ambassador a world record holder Usain Bolt shares his motivation to become the best sprinter of all time. World record holder and former Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt speaks in video interview for the sports brand Puma about his motivation to become the best sprinter of all time.
As part of the campaign „Only See Great“ Puma reveals the career path of its ambassadors, who through it talk about their experiences gained on the way to their life’s achievements. They talk about how they listened to their hearts on this journey and share their visions with others. In this interview, Bolt talks about his extraordinary sporting achievements, from early successes and failures to the legacy he has left behind.
“As a junior I was very, very talented, but when I got to the senior category I was still quite young and naive and felt that I didn’t have to work on myself as much to compete at a high level,” he said Bolt. “Going (to the 2004 Olympics) in Athens and not getting past the first round helped me say, ‘I have to understand that if I want to be the best or if I want to win an Olympic gold medal, I have to give myself more, I have to work on myself more’.”
Titles and records
Many titles, world records and medals followed. Bolt says that “Staying at a high level over the years has been very important following the legacy I have built. Anyone can win one Olympics, but winning three Olympics in a row over eight to ten years is very difficult. For me, it was a way to keep myself motivated and focused. I didn’t miss a single year, I didn’t focus on the four years ahead, but on each individual year all the time. Every single year was important to keep myself at a high level, to continue training and working on myself.”
Olympics in Tokyo
He admits that he missed participating in the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo the year before: “When I was watching the Olympics, I really missed it. Especially when watching the men’s 100m where I didn’t see any Jamaicans in the final. I really wanted to be there then. I think the women did very well for Jamaica. They really performed again.’
Bolt says he fully embraces ‘Only See Great’ vision
“Greatness is simply being yourself and maintaining a high level for years and doing things that no one has done before.” added the fastest man in the world.
Campaign inspired by Shawn “JAY-Z” Carter
Puma found inspiration for its campaign in ideas Shawn “JAY-Z” Cartercultural icons, businesswoman and philanthropistwho said: “I only see the best. I am not content to see only the good. I see no compromises. In everything we do, we should always strive for the best results. Something that will last.’
Full interview in AJ with Usain Bolt
Complete Czech transcript of the interview
MAGNIFICENCE
Greatness is just being yourself, keeping yourself at a high level for years, and doing things that no one has done before.
BEGINNING
As a junior I was very, very talented, but when I got to the senior category I was still quite young and naive and I felt that I didn’t have to work on myself as much to compete at a high level. Going (to the 2004 Olympics) in Athens and not getting past the first round helped me say, “I have to understand that if I want to be the best or if I want to win an Olympic gold medal, I have to give myself more, I have to work on myself more’.”
RIVALRY
Justin Gatlin, who was constantly on my heels, played a very important role in keeping me motivated. Knowing he would be there every season kept me on my toes and made me work hard. And if I wanted to be the best, I had to be ready and determined to beat him. Rivalry with opponents was a strong motivator for me. Competitors like Tyson, Justin, Asafa and Blake have really pushed me throughout my career to constantly be at my best and be the best version of myself.
2012: BOLT VERSUS BLAKE – JAMAICA SHOOTOUT
It was hard for me when I lost in the qualifier. I felt I was in good shape and ready, so the loss hit me hard. After the exams I told myself it was just about hard work. For the next five weeks before the championship, I trained very consistently four times a day. It was very intensive work. Blake opened my eyes. I knew he was ready and that he was at a high level.
2012: BOLT VS BLAKE – LONDON
The London experience was great. After the semi-final, my confidence increased because I ran a fast time quite smoothly. My confidence rose even more considering the fact that I hadn’t actually competed after qualifying and didn’t know how I was doing. During individual laps, it was actually the first time I really started running again. I felt great and I was more and more confident that I was in great shape to defend the title.
TIMELESSNESS
I think being able to maintain a high level over the years has been very important in building a legacy. Anyone can win one Olympics, but winning three Olympics in a row over eight to ten years is very difficult. For me, it was a way to keep myself motivated and focused. I didn’t miss a single year, I didn’t focus on the four years ahead, but on each individual year all the time. Every single year was important to keep myself at a high level, to continue training and working on myself.
GREAT MEMORIES
My most memorable season was my first season in 2008. It was the first year I really started training at a high level and followed all the coach’s advice. This particular season was very important and had a big impact on me. 2015 was one of my toughest competitive seasons. But at the same time, it was the most fulfilling. He showed me that with hard work anything is possible. I believed in myself, I came in that day and I just did it. I believed I could do it. And I did it.
FROM ATHLETE TO FAN
When I was watching the Olympics, I really missed it. Especially when watching the men’s 100m where I didn’t see any Jamaicans in the final. I really wanted to be there then. I think the women did very well for Jamaica. They really performed again. Especially Karsten, who took my breath away – 45 seconds over obstacles is not an easy feat. And also Alyson Felix, who won a medal after having a baby. To show up at the Olympics, after all you’ve been through, and get on the podium is a huge feat.
BAD START
If I had to relive any moment, it would be 2011. I think that’s the only mistake I’ve made in my career since 2008, when I really started training, so I’d definitely like to repeat it and fix it.
Photo source: Puma
Source: www.luxurymag.cz
