Usain Bolt has never been shy about sharing his views on the current state of sprinting, and his latest remarks have reignited debate about why today’s athletes have struggled to match the heights of his golden era.
The Jamaican legend, who still holds three world records the 100m (9.58s), 200m (19.19s), and the 4x100m relay (36.84s) — bluntly stated that his generation was “just more talented.” He argued that while advances such as new “super spikes” have boosted performances in women’s sprinting, men’s times remain stagnant largely due to a lack of raw ability compared to his contemporaries.
Since his retirement in 2017, no sprinter has managed to break 9.70 seconds in the 100m. The closest has been Kishane Thompson, who clocked 9.75 in June 2025, making him the sixth-fastest man ever. Yet even that time still lags behind previous greats such as Justin Gatlin and Asafa Powell (both 9.74), Tyson Gay and Yohan Blake (9.68), and Bolt himself at the very top.
Bolt’s era produced a lineup of formidable athletes who consistently ran blistering times despite setbacks, including doping bans that marred some careers. Still, the eight-time Olympic champion maintains that their natural talent was undeniable and that it defined their era of dominance.
He highlighted Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce as an example of how innovation in spikes has helped women continue to lower their times, yet insisted technology is not enough without true ability. “It’s the talent,” Bolt stressed, suggesting that today’s men simply do not have the same innate gifts.
Beyond performance, Bolt urged current sprinters to inject more personality into the sport. Known for his charisma and showmanship — from his lightning-bolt pose to engaging fans at stadiums — he believes today’s athletes sometimes try too hard to entertain rather than being authentic.
Recalling his iconic moments at the London 2012 Olympics, Bolt said his willingness to connect with fans, even joking about waving to the Queen, set him apart and helped make athletics more captivating. For him, sprinting was never just about speed but also about creating a spectacle that resonated beyond the track.
With modern sprinters like Noah Lyles, Oblique Seville, and Thompson striving for greatness, Bolt’s challenge is clear: raw talent and genuine personality are what truly separate legends from competitors.
