Usain Bolt Names Three Sprint Legends He Regrets Never Racing
Widely regarded as the greatest sprinter in history, Usain Bolt dominated the world stage with unforgettable performances in the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay. His record-breaking 9.58-second 100m dash at the 2009 World Championships still stands today, a testament to his legendary status.
Throughout his career, Bolt raced — and often defeated — top-tier talents like Justin Gatlin, Tyson Gay, and Yohan Blake. Yet despite his storied rivalry with these elite sprinters, there are a few names the Jamaican icon wishes he had the chance to face on the track.
In a recent interview, Bolt revealed three sprinters he would have loved to compete against: American legend Michael Johnson, Jamaican great Don Quarrie, and current 400m world record holder Wayde van Niekerk.
“It would definitely be Michael Johnson and Don Quarrie,” Bolt shared. “And I’m very sad that I didn’t get to compete against van Niekerk. We wanted to do a 200m, but I just wasn’t fit enough. That’s something I really regret.”
Don Quarrie, a national hero in Jamaica, won 200m gold at the 1976 Montreal Olympics and swept the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay titles at the 1970 Commonwealth Games. Meanwhile, Johnson and van Niekerk have both left indelible marks on the 400m event, with van Niekerk breaking Johnson’s long-standing record in 2016.
Despite these missed opportunities, Bolt’s legacy remains untouchable, with many still considering him the greatest Olympian and sprinter of all time.
