Sport Nation 2Usain Bolt, the fastest man in history, has shocked fans by admitting that there is one Premier League star who could potentially beat him in a short sprint. Bolt, who holds world records in the 100m and 200m, revealed that Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford is incredibly fast over short distances and could defeat him in a 20-yard dash.
At 36 years old, Bolt still holds the world record for the 100m, a time of 9.58 seconds set back in 2009 at the World Championships in Berlin. He also set the 200m world record the same year with a time of 19.19 seconds. Though retired from professional sprinting, Bolt’s speed remains legendary. However, in a recent interview with talkSPORT, Bolt explained how Rashford’s explosive start could give him an edge in a shorter race.
Bolt’s Post-Sprinting Career and His Football Dream
After retiring from sprinting, Bolt pursued a new career in football. He trained with the Norwegian club Stromsgodset and later signed with Central Coast Mariners, an Australian A-League side. His brief stint with the Mariners saw him score twice in a friendly match, a testament to his athletic abilities even in a different sport. Despite being offered a professional contract, Bolt turned down the opportunity, ultimately deciding not to pursue football at the highest level.
As a die-hard Manchester United fan, Bolt has visited the club’s Old Trafford stadium many times. His love for the club is well known, and during his visits, he has been challenged to races by players at the Carrington training ground. It was during these encounters that he recognized the exceptional speed of Rashford.
Marcus Rashford: The Premier League’s Speed Demon
Rashford, renowned for his quick bursts of pace on the pitch, has impressed Bolt with his acceleration. When asked by talkSPORT’s Darren Bent if Rashford could beat him in a 20-yard race, Bolt responded affirmatively. “Yeah! Rashford is quick out of the blocks, that is what he does,” Bolt said. He went on to explain that Rashford’s speed over short distances could give him the advantage, but over a longer stretch, Bolt still believes he would come out on top.
“He has that burst of speed but after that, I told him, you could probably get me in 20 [yards], but after that, it is over!” Bolt said with confidence, indicating that his strength lies in maintaining top speed over longer distances.
Bolt Prefers Manchester City Over Arsenal for Premier League Titles
Aside from discussing sprinting and Rashford’s speed, Bolt made headlines earlier this year for his surprising stance on Premier League title races. While many expect the lifelong Manchester United fan to favor Arsenal over Manchester City, Bolt has admitted that he would prefer City to win the title.
This statement came as a shock to many football fans, especially given the fierce rivalry between United and City. However, Bolt explained his reasoning: Arsenal fans, according to him, tend to boast excessively when their team is on top, and he would rather avoid the constant chatter from the London club’s supporters.
“Everybody always asks me who I’d rather win the Premier League out of Arsenal and Man City – I’m like, ‘Man City, easy.’ People are like, ‘But they’re your rival’,” Bolt explained during his talkSPORT interview. “I know a lot of Arsenal fans and when they’re top of the table they talk so much. And I’m like, ‘You haven’t won yet!’ Imagine if they actually won? Oh my God, it would be over. I’d rather Man City win than Arsenal because I couldn’t deal with it.”
Despite City’s dominance in recent years, Bolt finds it easier to cope with their success than to face the enthusiasm of Arsenal supporters. He also noted that Liverpool, another top contender in the Premier League, would tie Manchester United on titles if they were to win again, something he definitely does not want to see.
“With Liverpool, no. They’d be tied on titles with us, and we can’t have that,” Bolt emphasized. “And because Arsenal talk so much, I’d rather deal with Man City. They’re all young fans, and I don’t know many young people, so I’m fine with that!”
Rashford’s Speed in the Premier League
Rashford’s acceleration is not only recognized by Bolt but has also become a key asset for Manchester United. The forward has often been compared to some of the fastest players in the world. In the Premier League, Rashford is regarded as one of the quickest players, regularly using his speed to burst past defenders and create goal-scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates.
Although Rashford has dealt with injuries and inconsistent form throughout his career, his pace remains one of his most dangerous attributes. At his best, Rashford is capable of terrorizing opposition defenses, much like Bolt did to his sprinting rivals on the track.
The Legacy of Usain Bolt
Despite hanging up his spikes, Usain Bolt’s legacy as the fastest man in history remains untouchable. His world records in the 100m and 200m have stood for more than a decade, and no sprinter has come close to breaking them. His charismatic personality and global appeal have made him one of the most recognizable athletes in the world, transcending track and field.
Bolt’s love for football and his attempt to become a professional player after his sprinting career added to his unique story. While his footballing ambitions didn’t materialize, his speed and athleticism earned him the respect of players and fans alike. His admiration for players like Rashford shows that even the fastest man alive can appreciate the talent and skill of others on the field.
As Bolt continues to enjoy his retirement, his presence in the world of sports remains significant. Whether it’s discussing sprinting, football, or Premier League rivalries, his opinions always generate interest. And as the debate over who could beat Bolt in a race continues, one thing remains certain: Usain Bolt will forever be remembered as the sprinting legend who captivated the world with his speed and charm.
Conclusion
Usain Bolt’s admission that Marcus Rashford could beat him in a 20-yard sprint has sparked discussions among fans and experts alike. Despite his unmatched legacy in sprinting, Bolt recognizes Rashford’s remarkable speed over short distances, giving credit where it’s due. Furthermore, Bolt’s preference for Manchester City over Arsenal in Premier League title races showcases his playful rivalry with football fans, particularly those of Arsenal. While Bolt may no longer compete on the track, his insights and experiences continue to resonate with sports fans worldwide, solidifying his status as one of the greatest athletes of all time.
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