Usain Bolt Sets Sights on Cricket at LA28 Olympics
Jamaican sprint legend Usain Bolt has made a surprising revelation. He wants to return to the Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028. This time, Bolt aims to compete not in athletics but in cricket. The sport makes its long-awaited Olympic comeback after 128 years at the LA28 Games.
Bolt's Cricket Passion Before Sprinting Fame
Usain Bolt's connection with cricket runs deep. He grew up in the cricket-loving Caribbean nation of Jamaica. Before he became the fastest man on earth, Bolt dreamed of being a fast bowler. His school cricket coach advised him to try track and field instead. That decision changed sporting history forever.
Bolt never lost his love for cricket despite his sprinting success. He recently spoke to Esquire magazine about a possible return to competitive sport. Bolt joked about the idea with characteristic humor. He said he is happily retired from professional sport. Bolt admitted he hasn't played cricket in a long time. But he added that if they call him, he will be ready.
Cricket's Olympic Return Excites Global Fans
The LA28 Games will run from July 12 to July 29, 2028. Cricket will be one of the headline additions to the Olympic program. This comeback has excited fans across the world. Traditional cricket nations are particularly thrilled about the development.
At the LA28 Olympics, six men's teams and six women's teams will compete in cricket. Each tournament will have 90 athlete slots available. Squads can include up to 15 players each. The women's medal match is scheduled for July 20. The men's final will take place on July 29.
Cricket last appeared at the Olympics in 1900. Great Britain won gold against France in Paris that year. The sport's return after more than a century marks a significant moment for cricket globally.
Bolt's Stellar Athletics Career and Post-Retirement Activities
Usain Bolt retired from athletics in 2017 as the most celebrated sprinter of all time. He won eight Olympic gold medals during his career. Bolt also secured 11 World Championship gold medals. He famously completed the 100m and 200m sprint double at three consecutive Olympics.
These remarkable achievements came at Beijing 2008, London 2012, and Rio 2016. Bolt still holds the world records in both the 100m and 200m events. He set these records in Berlin back in 2009.
After retirement, Bolt has maintained his connection to cricket. He served as the brand ambassador for the T20 World Cup 2024. The tournament was hosted in the USA and West Indies. In 2014, Bolt also played a friendly cricket match in India. He shared the field with 2011 ODI World Cup winners Yuvraj Singh and Harbhajan Singh.
Now the eight-time Olympic gold medallist hints he would happily wear Jamaica's colours again. Bolt wants to represent his nation in cricket if given the opportunity. His comments have quickly caught attention as cricket prepares for its Olympic return.
