‘I Was Just Happy to Win’ - Usain Bolt Explains Deceleration, Chest Thump During Historic 2008 Olympics 100m Win

Sprint legend Usain Bolt has shed light on one of the most iconic moments in Olympic history, when he slowed down and thumped his chest before crossing the finish line to win the 100 meters gold medal at the 2008 Beijing edition.

The retired Jamaican superstar, who clocked 9.69 seconds to win his first Olympic 100m title, famously eased up before the finish line — sparking endless debate about how fast he could have gone had he sprinted through. 

Bolt had already smashed the world record that June in New York in 2008 when he ran a blistering 9.72 seconds, before going on to lower it again in Beijing.

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Speaking in a recent interview on NDTV, Bolt revealed that his celebration was never about showboating but pure joy at realizing a lifelong dream, especially considering his blip at the Athen s 2004 edition as an 18 year-old.

“It was never about running world records at that point,” Bolt explained. “I already had the world record. 

“For me, it was just about going to the Olympics to win. That was my main focus. It was my first real season putting in the work, so I was just happy to win.”

Bolt’s unforgettable performance in Beijing marked the beginning of a new era in sprinting — one defined by dominance, charisma, and joy. His chest-thumping celebration, often replayed in highlight reels, wasn’t a moment of arrogance — but, as he now reveals, a release of pure happiness.

“I wasn’t thinking about how fast I could go,” Bolt said with a smile. “I was just enjoying the moment. I was just happy to win.”

The sprinting great also reflected on the physical and mental hurdles that shaped his early career. 

Standing at 6’5”, Bolt’s towering frame presented unique challenges in a sport that traditionally favors shorter athletes with lower centers of gravity. He also dealt with scoliosis, a curvature of the spine that often led to recurring hamstring injuries.

“Those were my two biggest challenges,” he admitted. “With scoliosis, I had to do a lot of core work just to stay stable. I used to pull my hamstring all the time. 

“My start was my weakest point, so I worked on it until it became average — because I knew my strength was always at the end of the race.”

Bolt credited much of his transformation to his long-time coach Glen Mills, who now coaches current World 100m Champion Oblique Seville.

“At first it was tough, but Coach Mills gave me confidence,” Bolt said. “He told me injuries are part of the sport and helped me find the root of my problem. Once we figured it was the scoliosis, we managed it properly. He’s been there for me not just in athletics, but in life.”