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Usain Bolt has named three athletes he wish he would have raced but never did during his career, including a world record holder.
Sprint legend Usain Bolt has revealed three iconic athletes he deeply regrets never sharing the track with during his illustrious career — including South Africa’s 400m world record holder Wayde van Niekerk.
Speaking candidly in a recent interview with Puma, the eight-time Olympic gold medalist highlighted three names that left a lasting impression on his imagination and competitive spirit: American sprint icon Michael Johnson, Jamaican legend Don Quarrie, and the dynamic Wayde van Niekerk.
“It would definitely be Michael Johnson, Don Quarrie, and I'm very sad that I didn't get to compete against van Niekerk,” Bolt said.
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The Showdown Against Van Niekerk That Never Was
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While Bolt’s dominance in the 100m and 200m saw him routinely outpace the world's best, his admiration for van Niekerk stems not just from the South African’s record-breaking prowess, but also from a missed opportunity to compete head-to-head.
“We wanted to do a 200 meters, and I was not fit enough,” Bolt revealed, expressing personal disappointment over what could have been a marquee showdown. “That’s one thing, you know what? I wish I was fit enough to compete against him.”
Wayde van Niekerk, who stunned the world with his 43.03 world record in the 400m at the 2016 Rio Olympics — from lane eight, no less — has long been praised for his versatility across sprint distances.
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A potential 200m clash between Bolt and van Niekerk would have pitted two of the fastest men in history against each other in a race for the ages.
“Not just because he's a world record holder,” Bolt added. “To run a 200 meter with him — who would be the best? It would have been great to compete. Yeah, I could see myself marketing.”
Bolt’s comments reflect a mix of competitive respect and a marketer’s eye for blockbuster matchups.
Such a race would have undoubtedly captured global attention, given both athletes' flair, charisma, and exceptional speed.
Michael Johnson, known for redefining sprinting in the 1990s, and Don Quarrie, one of Jamaica’s earliest sprint legends, complete the trio of sprinters Bolt wishes he had raced.
While their careers never overlapped, Bolt’s acknowledgment places them firmly in the lineage of sprinting greats.
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