Usain Bolt performs during a sponsors event at the Puma Social Club in Gorky Park on August 4, 2013 in Moscow, Russia.
Credit: Getty Images
Six-time Olympic Champion Usain Bolt has arrived in Moscow ahead of the World Athletics Championships that get underway this coming Saturday. Metro Moscow caught up with the world’s fastest man at the PUMA Jamaica Party at Puma Social Club in Moscow’s Gorky Park.
Metro: Some of the top sprinters won’t be competing in Moscow: Yohan Blake is injured, while Tyson Gay and Asafa Powell are banned due to doping. Is there anyone else that can compete with you, or is victory in the bag?
Bolt: I am used to relying on my own strengths and in particular I don’t look at my rivals. The main things is that I never allow myself to get too nervous before the race, as it happens with many athletes. It happens that I do joke around but for me, it’s a great way to relieve stress and relax.
Last year at the Olympics you said “I’m now a living legend.” Do you stick by this? Do you like when you’re called a legend?
I don’t insist that I should be called that, but I must confess that I really like it. If my supporters and fans of athletics want to call me that, then let them – I don’t mind.
After the World Championships the Luzhniki stadium is planned to be made into a football-only stadium. What do you think about this?
Football and athletics are my favorite sports and I don’t think they have to interfere with each other somehow.
On football, many don’t believe you about playing for Manchester United…
It was all in vain. I am absolutely serious in my intentions [to play for Manchester United]. Man United is my favorite team and I hope they will invite me to various charity matches.
