Iconic sprinter Usain Bolt inspires young SA track athletes
Everything you need to know about Usain Bolt's visit to South Africa – right here.
The world’s fastest sprinter of all times, Usain Bolt, left many young up-and-coming athletes star-struck and overwhelmed with joy when he visited Ruimsig Athletics Stadium on Monday, 29 January, where a number of high schools were competing in the elite School of Speed competition which is powered by Puma.
Ear-splitting jubilation echoing the star’s name could be heard as one approached the stadium as future athletes gave him a standing ovation and hailed their celebrated icon, with some shedding tears of joy while others pushed and shoved to get a photo opportunity or at least a T-shirt or jacket signed by Bolt.
Bolt’s big visit to South Africa was part of the School of Speed campaign, during which the icon, in partnership with Puma, is in search of the fastest runner to live out his legacy. This collaborative initiative started last year, with the custodians of South African Athletics, to give youngsters a chance to become the next Usain Bolt.
Also Read: Lightning-fast Bolt to visit Ruimsig
The fans’ all-time favourite Jamaican runner was accompanied by local Puma ambassadors such as South African sprinter, Thando Roto, who shared the media conference table with Bolt during a media briefing. Two Mamelodi Sundowns stars, Percy Tau and George Lebese, also took part in the occasion. Bolt had a football training session at Chloorkop with the soccer stars in preparation for his pursuit of a childhood dream to become a soccer player, and has a trial on the cards with German side Borrussia Dortmund in March.
Bolt hinted about his possible soccer career, acknowledging how unfit he was after training with the Brazilians. During the media briefing, he shared how the campaign came about and gave some tips to the young African sprinters, highlighting where they should improve. The idea came from the boys’ and girls’ championships in Jamaica. All the schools come together and compete so that the coaches can scout the best runners. Some runners don’t even make the finals but the coaches can see their potential, and suggest that with more training they can improve. The idea has now been brought to South Africa, and as it gets bigger, more high quality athletes will be produced.
Puma Marketing Director, Brett Bellinge, went on to say that having Usain in the Puma stable at The School of Speed is an inspiration to both the brand and the company to get involved in athletics. The company could work with the elite seniors, or it could start as Usain suggested – with the boys’ and girls’ championships and search for talent there. It seemed logical to start the process here in South Africa because it’s very important to unearth the next Usain Bolt. The idea is for Puma to discover the talent, provide the youngsters with training and equipment, and work with them on an ongoing basis as was done with Usain.
Usain’s visit to South Africa did not only entail unearthing and inspiring talent, but also mingling with the finest local celebrities at the recent Sun Met in Cape Town, where he was introduced to Gqom music and the famous Vosho dance, which he mastered at the stadium, leaving the fans fizzing with excitement.
The Minister of Sport and Recreation, Thulas Nxesi, and the President of Athletics South Africa, Aleck Skhosana, hailed Bolt for his achievements and told him he remains an inspiration to both older and younger South Africans.
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