Usain Bolt has revealed he’s left frustrated when adult fans ask to take him on in a running race.
The sprinting icon remains one of athletics’ biggest names and most recognisable stars seven years after retiring from the sport.
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So it’s no surprise to hear that the 38-year-old is often asked for a race when people bump into him in the street.
Appearing on the red carpet at the GQ Men of the Year awards, Bolt was asked if he finds getting requests annoying.
He explained: “When adults do it. I’m okay with kids. But when adults do it…”
Interviewer Amelia Dimoldenberg then adds: “It’s just, like, not necessary,” prompting Bolt to agree.
The eight-time Olympic gold medallist was also asked about the need for having an ordinary person run in the 100m final.
Dimoldenberg explained she felt it would help provide context for the speed of the athletes.
Bolt replied: “No, I feel, I feel it’s necessary.
Because a lot of, I think a lot of ordinary people always talk like, ‘I think I can do that’.”
The Jamaican sprinting legend retired from athletics aged 30 in 2017 following that year’s World Championship in London.
He still holds a pair of world records over seven years on from his final competitive race, though.
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Bolt’s world-leading times in both the 100m and 200m have yet to be beaten 15 years since he set them.
His record times of 9.58 and 19.19 seconds were both clocked at the 2009 World Championships in Berlin.
The athletics superstar was one of many sporting sensations to appear at the British GQ Men of the Year Awards.
Chelsea and Manchester United footballers Cole Palmer and Kobbie Mainoo were also in attendance.
And Bolt spoke about the English pair during the award show.
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He said: “I have the honour talking about these two wonderful young men, great talent — two lads born in Greater Manchester.
“Both nominated for Premier League Young Player of the Season. One of them won it, the other scored the winning goal in the FA Cup.
“How many reach the final of a major tournament? What they [have already achieved] in their career is incredible.
“What they are going to achieve is spectacular.”
Bolt seems to love Palmer and Mainoo, but that could well change should either of them ask him for a race…
