“A Moment I Will Cherish Forever”- Usain Bolt Reacts to Fan Who Shares Picture of His Last Professional Race in 2017

It’s 2009, you’re watching the IAAF World Championship men’s 100m sprint final. Eight men take center stage. The race begins, and a mere 9.58 seconds later, it’s over. You’ve just seen history created in front of your eyes. The new World Record for 100m sprint has just been made. And the man responsible for it? Usain Bolt.

The legendary sprinter gave glorious memories to fans over the years. On the other hand, he also gave us some bitter ones. But the worst memory of all was his retirement.

Fan posts nostalgic Usain Bolt photo on Twitter

Not only does Bolt have the 100m World record, but he also established the 100m and 200m Olympic records. He became the favorite to win every race he took part in; he usually delivered. Recently, a fan took to Twitter to post a photo of Bolt after his last race before his retirement.

The caption on the photo read, “I took this photo @usainbolt’s last official race in Jamaica in 2017. A tragic day for other reasons, but a moment I will forever cherish.” Bolt retweeted the photo and expressed his gratitude.

In the photo, Bolt stands before his home crowd as he soaks in all the love and support. It is truly iconic and also a well-timed photo. This was his last race. The 2017 World Championships in London marked Bolt’s last professional competition. In a shocking finish, Usain was placed third behind Americans Justin Gatlin (1st) and Christian Coleman (2nd). No one could believe what had happened, not even Gatlin. The winner, the World Champion Gatlin, went and bowed before the GOAT. Such was his legacy.

Sadly enough, Usain opted out of the 200m event and had to pull out of the 4x100m relay because of injury. Thus ended the professional career of the greatest sprinter of all time.

Bolt’s career at a glance

In his childhood days, Usain excelled as a fast bowler in cricket. He then developed a knack for soccer as he dreamed of playing for Manchester United. His school coaches were the ones that turned him to track and field.

Bolt first marked his arrival in the sport in 2002. Just 15-years-old, Usain Bolt won the 200m event at the World Junior Championships in front of 36000 people. By doing so, he became the youngest male ever to achieve the feat. 

The year 2008 was when he turned everything around and the rest, as they say, is history.

WATCH THIS STORY: Five Most Painful Defeats in Usain Bolt’s Career

Source: | This article originally belongs to Essentially Sports