Two of Jamaica’s most legendary athletes, Asafa Powell and Usain Bolt, recently sat down to talk about their experiences and their journey both on and off the track for the Fast Lane Lifestyle podcast hosted by Powell on his Youtube channel, ‘The Powells’.

From their love for cars, retirement, their relationship with each other to Bolt getting booed at the National Stadium, the discussion covered a plethora of topics with their friendship and experiences leading the way.

During the conversation, the two Olympians also commented on the dynamic of today’s youth in sports compared to when they were building their names on the track.

Bolt and Powell noted that the standard of track and field has immensely evolved since they started out, with the world record holder and former world record holder setting what is considered “a gold standard” for Jamaican sprinting.

Their exploits on the track created publicity and exposure, that has lived on since they last competed, for the younger generation of sprinters to grow into. 

“We built such a high standard for Jamaican athletics and, everybody who came up afterwards, is like they came up in this hype and excitement so they feel like celebrities,” said Powell.

“I think that kinda get to them head so they already feel the celebrity status before anything and just feel like them reach already.”

Bolt and Powell together stressed the importance of remaining humble, especially in the early days of one’s athletics career.

The veterans noted that the younger generation has been making more money earlier in their careers than they did in their day, due to the different standards in track and field now.

With Jamaican sprinters having topped the sport, they are more popular, and with that comes more sponsorships and opportunities for a more favourable outcome.

Bolt and Powell implied that making more money, and faster at that, has led to a heightened sense of success- leaving the younger generation more relaxed in their approach to their sport despite having the potential to be much greater. They both observed how that has led to a prouder and more exalted youth in track. 

According to Bolt, he and Powell did not make as much money in the beginning of their careers, due to the lack of push for the sport, and it wasn’t until they had started to perform well on big stages that they started making significant sums.

“I have a lot of money and I dont think I’m rich yet,” Bolt recalled was his thinking while still training at the time and looking to achieve more, regardless of having already been very successful.

“Start out small and move up to it,” Powell said, as he made mention of the younger generation aspiring to acquire what he and Bolt now have, despite not being at the same level in their careers.

The veteran sprinters also spoke of the importance of physical and mental endurance as the career of a professional athlete is short and demanding. From facing injuries to harsh comments from multiple persons or, in the case of Bolt, getting booed inside the National Stadium. Maintaining a mindset of “I’m not there yet” kept them topping their already impressive achievements year after year.

While reminiscing affectionately, Powell spoke of other Olympics team members –  Michael Frater, Nesta Carter and Yohan Blake – and how their ability to always have a good time, while reaching the great heights they have seen, made him proud.

Both men reflected on the relay championships and how it was always such a good time for them because they got the opportunity to come together as a team and enjoy the moment together as one.

CONTINUE TO SUPPORT YOUNGER GENERATION OF ATHLETES

They never shied away from going out for a bit of fun after a meet in order to relax and have time to themselves.

The men also discussed the hurdles of retirement, including weight gain and comfortably sitting in their new niches while slowly acquiring the support of people who have only ever seen them as athletes.

With new heights to look forward to, they look on positively for what the future might hold for them outside of sprinting and, as for the generations coming up, they continue to share their support.

– Send feedback to [email protected]