Usain Bolt faced the world’s media today in the build-up to the World Championships in Beijing.
This will be a special event for the Jamaican sprinter star as it sees him return to the Bird’s Nest seven years after he announced himself to the world with three electrifying Olympic golds.
A packed-out press conference welcomed Bolt in the Chinese capital, where he faced questions on a wide variety of subjects.
Here is a sample of Bolt’s answers:
…on his fitness heading into the World Championships
“My coach is happy, that’s the key thing. When he’s happy I always know I’m in good nick. I’m good to go.”
…on his 100m rivalry with two-times drugs cheat Justin Gatlin
“Competition is competition. It’s always who is in the best form and who executes well. All I need to do now is execute.”
…on his diet in Beijing, having stuck to chicken nuggets during the 2008 Olympics
“They have really provided much better food this year. It has been just normal food so there’s no need for chicken nuggets this year. It’s been normal diet. Not really Chinese food, there’s been noodles but we’ve had rice, chicken, beef and stuff.”
…on Sebastian Coe being elected IAAF president
“When it comes to politics I try to stay away from it, but as long as he’s good for the sport and he’s going to do right by the athletes then I’m happy he’s been elected.”
…on his facial hair
“People ask me if I have any superstitions. I’ve noticed that every Olympic year I’ve always trimmed, but World Championships I’ve always just had a beard and high hair. After a while it became a thing.”
…on celebrating his 29th birthday this Friday
“What birthday party? There’s zero plans for tomorrow. It’s the day before competition, so it’s going to be early to bed, that’s pretty much my birthday party. I’m sure somebody will get me a cake, maybe just a muffin.”