Bolt: My coach said the world never saw my best

Legendary Jamaican sprinter, Usain Bolt, says the world never truly saw him at his best, a verdict shared by his long-time coach, Glenn Mills.

In a chat with NDTV during his second-ever visit to India, the eight-time Olympic gold medallist revealed that Mills believed he had another gear left in reserve during his record-breaking career.

“My coach believes that. My coach said the world didn’t see the best of me. So he believed that. I felt like I did great,” Bolt said.

The 100m and 200m world record holder admitted his journey to the top was far from smooth, with recurring hamstring injuries and scoliosis threatening his career in the early days. He credited Mills not just for shaping him into the fastest man alive but also for being a life mentor.

“He’s like my second dad. He really supported me not just in track and field but in life,” Bolt added, recalling how Mills gave him the confidence to manage his condition and keep competing at the highest level.

But Bolt’s trip to India wasn’t just about reflecting on his career. Fourteen years after his first visit, the sprint icon is now immersing himself in Indian culture and food.

This time, he says, the highlight has been the people and the cuisine.

“More people,” Bolt laughed when asked what stood out this time. “I have actually got to try the cuisine this time. Last time it was just in and out. I met a lot of people, seen the young athletes. So there’s so much.”

He confessed to falling in love with Indian lamb curry and roti, calling his first taste “magnificent” and revealing he has eaten it “almost every night since.”