Usain Bolt Urged to ‘Stop Scaring’ the Field as American Sprint Legend Pokes Fun on Podcast

An American sprint legend has playfully warned Usain Bolt to stop intimidating today’s runners after his dramatic Oslo track appearance.

The fastest man on Earth Usain Bolt has been retired from competitive sprinting since 2017, but his presence at the Oslo Diamond League this summer proved he still holds the power to electrify any track he steps on.

The eight-time Olympic gold medalist didn’t lace up for a race, but that didn’t stop him from sending a jolt through the Bislett Stadium crowd just by showing up—and striking a pose.

Bolt’s casual appearance at the prestigious event turned into something far more buzzworthy when he stepped onto the track and dropped into a sprinter’s three-point stance, reigniting memories of the era he once dominated.

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Though the gesture was playful, it quickly became the subject of speculation and laughter, especially when his long-time rival, Justin Gatlin, revealed the moment’s backstory.

“We seen Bolt go out there… do a little three-point stance move off the line so it looks like Usain is getting back into shape, man,” Gatlin shared on the Ready Set Go podcast, laughing as he recounted Bolt’s unexpected antics in Oslo.

Gatlin, the 2004 Olympic gold medalist and one of the few sprinters who truly challenged Bolt during his reign, did not stop at storytelling. He sent Bolt a cheeky Father’s Day message, poking fun at the psychological weight his presence still holds over today’s generation of athletes.

“Alright man, you can’t be scaring this new generation out here acting like you about to get ready to run. Man, they not as strong and tough as our generation was—man, they going to lay down for you.”

A Legacy That Still Casts a Long Shadow

Gatlin’s humorous tone did not mask the deeper truth in his words—Bolt’s aura is so dominant, even in retirement, that it still intimidates younger sprinters.

It is not hard to imagine young talents like Julien Alfred, who was also present at Oslo, glancing over nervously as Bolt briefly teased a return to form.

Even with no serious comeback in sight, the idea of Bolt sprinting again—even for a few seconds—seems to cause ripples across the sport. His world record of 9.58 seconds in the 100 meters has stood untouched for over a decade, and the gap between him and the current crop of sprinters remains massive both in numbers and in narrative.

‘The Bolt Challenge’ and Mondo’s Nod

While Bolt entertained from the sidelines, Swedish pole vault sensation Armand “Mondo” Duplantis took things to another level.

He jokingly took on what fans dubbed “The Bolt Challenge,” bringing extra flair to his performance in Oslo and paying homage to the Jamaican legend.

This crossover moment between sprinting and field events was a testament to Bolt’s far-reaching influence—not just among runners, but across all disciplines in track and field.

Gatlin’s playful comments served as both nostalgia and subtle critique, suggesting that today’s stars still operate in the long shadow of an icon who redefined speed.

Usain Bolt might be done racing, but if Gatlin’s words are any indication, his mere presence still shifts the psychological landscape of the sport.