Usain Bolt Hints at LA 2028 Comeback in Cricket

The return of cricket to the Olympic programme for LA 2028 has raised hopes of Jamaican sprinting legend Usain Bolt making a surprise comeback to international sport. Growing up in cricket-mad Caribbean, the aspiring fast bowler played the sport before he became the most recognised sprinter in the world. Cricket was Bolt’s first love before he was encouraged to try track and field by his cricket coach in high school. Eight years since the eight-time Olympic gold medallist drew the curtain on his illustrious career, and the world is still holding onto a glimmer of hope to see the athletics legend back in competitive sport. But as the world record holder in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m approaches his 40th birthday, Bolt has no plans of coming out of retirement. Speaking to Esquire Magazine, Bolt jokingly said he would be ready if Jamaican cricket called upon him. “I am happily retired from professional sport. I haven’t played cricket in a long time, but if they call, I will be ready! [Laughs],” Bolt told Esquire. Considering his new role as Director of Performance with his long-term sponsor (Puma), Bolt is unlikely to deliver fast balls any time soon. Bolt hung up his spikes as the most decorated sprinter of all time, having won the 100m and 200m titles at three consecutive Olympic Games – Beijing 2008, London 2012, and Rio 2016. He still holds the 100m (9.58 seconds) and 200m (19.19s) world records he set at the 2009 World Championships in Berlin.