Usain Bolt Starts Soccer Career with Training at Central Coast Mariners

Usain Bolt in 2017
Usain Bolt. Photo by Dave Shopland/BPI/REX/Shutterstock

100-meter world record holder Usain Bolt celebrated his 32nd birthday with a 45-minute training session at Australia’s Central Coast Mariner football team.

The Jamaican athlete is expected to transition to a career in soccer starting October 21st in Australia’s A-League. In a move seen by some as a gimmick, Bolt’s new coach Mike Mulvey called the decision “innovative and creative.

“We are delighted that Usain has chosen our community to further his footballing career,” Mulvey told reporters.

Bolt has an unquestionable talent in speed having won 8 Olympic gold medals. But as for being creative and innovative, it’s up to his new coach and time to tell what he can offer. The Jamaican claims to have developed passion in football while still a child. He was a goalkeeper in primary school but after joining athletics, he halted his soccer career.

After training with clubs in Germany, Norway, and South Africa, Bolt finally got a six-week trial offer in Australia.  The sprinter had also received offers from lower league European sides but opted for Australia.

“We got offers from teams in Spain, France, places like that but for me, it would have been harder. I would have to learn a new language,” the Jamaican told news reporters.

Bolt’s new club is located in Sydney and has a capacity of slightly over 20,000 fans.