Retired sprint icon Usain Bolt has sent shockwaves through the sporting world by teasing a potential comeback at the Olympic Games, but not in athletics. The Jamaican legend, now 39, has hinted he could represent his nation in cricket when the sport returns to the Olympics at Los Angeles 2028 after a 38-year absence.
From Track Dominance to Cricket Dreams
Bolt is widely regarded as one of the greatest Olympians in history, having dominated the 100m and 200m sprints across three consecutive Games from 2008 to 2016. He clinched eight gold medals and famously set world records in the 100m (9.58 seconds), 200m (19.19 seconds), and 4x100m relay (36.84 seconds). He retired from professional athletics after the 2017 World Championships in London.
A Lifelong Passion for Cricket
In a recent interview with Esquire magazine in January, Bolt revealed his enduring love for cricket, which he describes as his "first love." He played the sport at school, excelling as a fast bowler, and might have pursued a career with the West Indies team had his school coach not steered him toward track and field after noticing his extraordinary speed.
"I am happily retired from professional sport. I haven't played cricket in a long time. But if they call me, I'll be ready," Bolt said, laughing during the conversation. This statement has ignited speculation about a possible Olympic appearance in a completely different discipline.
Previous Forays into Other Sports
This would not be Bolt's first attempt at transitioning to another professional sport. In 2018, following his athletics retirement, the lifelong Manchester United fan pursued a career in football. He joined Australia's Central Coast Mariners on an eight-week trial, scoring two goals in a friendly match, but ultimately left the A-League side after negotiations over his salary reportedly fell through.
In January 2019, Bolt announced he would no longer pursue football, declaring his "sports life is over." However, his recent comments suggest that competitive fire may still be burning, albeit in a different arena.
Fitness Challenges and Recovery
Bolt faces significant hurdles if he is to make a serious bid for Olympic cricket. In September 2025, he admitted to The Guardian that he no longer runs regularly, focusing instead on gym workouts. "I'm not a fan, but I think now that I've been out for a while I have to actually start running. Because when I walk up stairs I get out of breath," he confessed.
He added that he would need to incorporate laps into his routine to improve his breathing and overall fitness. This admission comes after he suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon during the Soccer Aid charity match at Stamford Bridge in 2024, an injury that required him to be stretchered off the field.
The Road to LA 2028
Cricket's inclusion in the 2028 Olympics marks its return to the Games for the first time since 1900, creating a unique opportunity for Bolt to showcase his talents on a global stage once again. Jamaica, where cricket is immensely popular, could benefit from his star power and experience, though it remains unclear how seriously the national team is considering his offer.
Bolt's potential participation would undoubtedly draw massive attention to the event, blending his legendary status with the novelty of cricket's Olympic comeback. As fans and analysts speculate, one thing is certain: the world will be watching to see if the fastest man alive can sprint his way into a new sporting legacy.
