Usain Bolt, 31, is the world’s fastest man on a track. If he realizes his dream, he will be the fastest man on a soccer field as well.
The eight-time Olympic champion faces a six-week trial with the Australia A-League club Central Coast Mariners. If successful, 31-year-old Bolt will join them on a season-long contract.
Borussia Dortmund of Germany took Bolt on trial last year. However, they failed to take their interest any further as he fell short of their standards. The Mariners and Australian soccer are more in need of a boost and will be less demanding of the Jamaican.
The A-League is desperate to combat plummeting attendances, as well as the ailing finances of several franchises. This situation led to some dismissing the deal as a publicity stunt while some supporters labeled it as “disastrous”.
Shaun Mielekamp, the Mariners chief executive, is adamant the club is serious, before adding a note of caution. “It’ll be exciting if he’s able to get to the level that we need.”
Football Federation Australia, the game’s governing body will fund some of his salary and has yet to sanction the deal. The Mariners are hopeful this will come quickly.
Bolt, however, told the Sydney Herald Sun that this is a “big deal” for him. “Everyone feels like I’m just kidding around, just joking,” he said, “but I’m serious.”
