Usain Bolt is participating in his fourth Olympics and looking to defend his reputation as the world’s fastest person. He has won six gold medals at the Olympics and has set the world record for fastest times in the 100 and 200 meters.
The Jamaican sprinter has sort of “been there, done that” when it comes to the Olympics, so it’s not a huge surprise that he was not present for the opening ceremonies in Rio de Janeiro on Friday night. His explanation on social media may surprise you, though.
“Opening Ceremony time but I won’t be there people, all the buses are out,” Bolt said in a Snapchat message.
“Looks like the whole squad is out, road movements. One big lazy par me den pon today, no movement for me,” Bolt said in another message, via The Telegraph.
Hey, though it’s odd for someone to have a “lazy” day at such an important time, Bolt does have some legitimate excuses. Not only is he also rehabbing a hamstring injury, but he also probably wanted to avoid the mob scene that would have likely formed around him at the ceremonies. Given that he is one of the most famous and recognizable athletes at the Olympics, there is little doubt he would have been bombarded by his fellow athletes for selfies and more had he participated. Plus, he was Jamaica’s flag bearer at the 2012 London Games.
Then again, given Bolt’s casual attitude when it comes to his diet at the Olympics (as this shows), perhaps we shouldn’t be too surprised with his attitude about missing the opening ceremony.
