Eight-time Olympic gold medalist Usain Bolt, celebrated globally as the fastest man on Earth, recently brought his inspiring presence to Mumbai on September 26. During a special event at Jamnabai Narsee School in Juhu, Bolt engaged with students from grades 3 to 9, sharing invaluable life lessons and insights from his remarkable career. Hosted by Trustee Sujay Jairaj, the session included an engaging fireside chat and direct interaction with the young audience.
Bolt, a true sporting legend, spoke candidly about his mindset, career highs and lows, and his philosophy for success. He emphasized the crucial role of hard work and dedication, stating, “It takes a lot of hard work and dedication to the sport. I loved track and field growing up, but it was never easy to get to the top. I pushed myself through injuries, doubts, and tough times because I really wanted to be the best in the world. Dedication is what kept me going.”
Reflecting on the emotional rollercoaster of his career, Bolt highlighted the significance of perseverance. “Crossing the finish line and winning a gold medal is an unforgettable feeling, knowing that all the work has paid off,” he shared. “But the lows are equally important—they teach you resilience. It’s good to have people around you, your parents and friends, who motivate you to get back up and believe in yourself. Those tough times make the highs even sweeter.”
When asked about childhood inspirations, Bolt fondly recalled his early love for cricket. “I was a huge cricket fan growing up. Watching the way cricketers pushed themselves and carried themselves inspired me at a young age to work hard and be the best I could be,” he revealed, much to the delight of the young fans.
The conversation also touched upon the intensity of Olympic competition. When an aspiring sprinter asked whether winning his first Olympic gold or defending it was tougher, Bolt admitted with a laugh, “I think defending. It’s easier to win the first time, but when you’re being chased, it’s harder. So defending the second gold was definitely tougher.”
For aspiring dreamers in any field, Bolt offered a simple yet profound piece of advice: “Do what you love. That’s so important because when you love something, it doesn’t feel like work—it’s a joy. The road will never be easy, but believe in yourself, keep going, and never let anyone tell you that you can’t make it.”
Concluding the session, the 39-year-old athlete shared that basketball star Kevin Garnett was a significant inspiration, admired for his strength, dedication, and leadership qualities. “He was always motivating his teammates and believed he could do anything. I wanted to be that kind of person—strong, motivated, and always working hard to be the best I could be,” Bolt said.