Usain Bolt to retire after Racers Grand Prix in Jamaica next June

Bolt fulfils dream of winning eight Golds. File Pic.
Usain Bolt set to retire in June next year after Racers Grand Prix in Jamaica . File Pic.

Internet Desk: World’s fastest man Usain Bolt has finally set his date to hang his racing boots.His last race in Jamaica will take place next June at the Racers Grand Prix in what will be his final strides towards retirement.

Bolt’s all-conquering career will come to an end after next year’s World Championships in London, and with the nine-time Olympic champion and triple world record holder already securing his spot by virtue of his defending champion wild card, there are no plans or requirement to compete at the 2017 National Senior Championships.

The sprinter made the confirmation while chatting with presenters Neville Bell and Sakina Deer on Television Jamaica’s Smile Jamaica morning magazine programme yesterday.

“The Racers Grand Prix will be my last race in Jamaica, people. It will be the last time I run in Jamaica,” Bolt declared, while confirming that he will walk away into the sunset after the World Championships, which is set for August 5-13 inside the Olympic Stadium.

“Yes, I am definitely going to retire after the World Championships in London. That will be my last one,” said Bolt.

The Racers Track Club, of which Bolt is a member, this year staged its first international track meet, the Racers Grand Prix, on June 11 to overwhelming acclaim, with Bolt winning the men’s 100m in 9.88 seconds.

The IAAF provides wild card entries to defending world champions and diamond race winners of each event. The JAAA has established, through reference, that World champions will get the nod in cases where both are Jamaicans, which means that Bolt is not required to compete at the qualifier – next year’s National Senior Championships.