'Like My Second Dad' - Usain Bolt on How Glen Mills Helped Him Overcome Injuries from a Rare Condition

Legendary sprinter Usain Bolt recently opened up about the injury struggles he faced throughout his career, crediting his long-time coach, Glen Mills, for helping him manage them.

Usain Bolt, who retired in 2017, still holds the world records in the 100 m and 200 m events. His decorated career includes eight Olympic gold medals from the Beijing, London, and Rio Games.

Throughout most of his success, Usain Bolt has been guided by Glen Mills, who started coaching him from 2004 to 2017, guiding him through his most historic achievements.

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The 39-year-old explained how Mills was instrumental in addressing the root cause of his injuries, which were linked to scoliosis.

"I think at the start it was tough, but after I met my coach Glen Mills, he gave me more confidence," Usain Bolt said in an exclusive chat with NDTV Sports.

"He would explain to me, 'Listen, injuries are part of sports.' The first thing he did was say, 'We need to find the root of your problem,' because I hadn't figured that out until I started working with him.

“He said, 'Alright, the scoliosis is the problem. What do we need to do to avoid this?' That's what gave me the confidence, because I knew I had somebody who knew exactly what we needed to do at all times to make sure I was okay."

Usain Bolt further described Glen Mills as a father figure and mentor to many athletes, calling him a ‘role model.’

The fastest man alive pointed out that coach Glen Mills has always walked with him, even with issues off the track. Usain Bolt further explained that despite his record-breaking career, Glen Mills always felt he had more to give.

"My coach played such a big role. He's like my second dad. He really supported me not just in track and field, but in life. He would give me advice on everything, so it's something that I really have to give thanks for," he added.

"My coach believes that. My coach said, 'The world didn't get to see the best of me.' So he believed that. I felt like I did great."

The Jamaican icon also discussed his other sporting passions, naming West Indies legends Chris Gayle and Courtney Walsh as his favourite cricketer and bowler, respectively.

A well-known Manchester United supporter, Usain Bolt, added that his loyalty to the Red Devils began with former Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, who played for the club from 2001 to 2006.

Usain Bolt also expressed his admiration for Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, who had two separate spells at Manchester United.