Running News Daily

Usain Bolt eyes a comeback

The greatest sprinter of all time is set to make a brief return, after Paris Saint Germain superstar Kylian Mbappe accepted the challenge of facing the eight-time Olympic champion in a 100m race.

Usain Bolt might well lace up his spikes again, writes Vlad Andrejevic. Bolt, the greatest sprinter of all time, is set to make a brief comeback, after Paris Saint Germain superstar Kylian Mbappe accepted the challenge of facing eight-time Olympic champion Bolt in a 100m race, though he does not fancy his chances against the Jamaican icon.

Bolt, who is an avid football fan and participates in numerous charity football events, recently spoke about his admiration of the 25-year-old forward, admitting he was “inspired” by the French international and suggested that Mbappe should face him in a charity race.

The World Cup winner responded warmly to Bolt’s comments at a recent promotional event organized by sponsors Nike and his ‘Inspired by KM’ foundation, offering fans the prospect of a tantalizing crossover event.

“It would be fun, why not one day if we both have the time? I don’t expect much from the result,” said Mbappe when asked about the potential matchup. “He inspired everyone, and I think everyone has woken up late in the night to watch one of Bolt’s races. I can say that it’s reciprocal and that I started to admire him first.”

Despite retiring in 2017, Bolt remains the world record holder of the 100m, clocking a remarkable 9.58s in Berlin in 2009. He has since moved on from professional athletics and taken up a multitude of roles throughout sport, most recently becoming T20 World Cup 2024 Ambassador, however he would be willing to return to the track for this event.

His opponent, who is 12 years his junior, could prove to be a formidable opponent as he is widely regarded as one of the fastest players in the game. The World Cup winner, who is set to leave Paris this summer after 7 years at the club, has shown his devastating pace and ability at the highest level since he burst onto the scene in 2016, making him the most valuable player in world football.

With Olympic fever starting to pick up as the event this summer draws nearer, and with Mbappe possibly representing his country at the games, a charity race between the two sporting greats would garner a huge crowd.