Usain Bolt has bolted and shattered records at will all over the world, but still there is something he misses Lightning Bolt, a cheetah cub he adopted at the Nairobi National Park in November 2009.
Lightning Bolt was among three cubs rescued by Kenya Wildlife Service officials after their mother abandoned them in the game park.
But the Jamaican sprinter, who was on a four-day visit to Kenya as sports ambassador for the Zeitz Foundation, paid $13,700, then, to formally adopt the three-month old male cub.
In an interview with Feverpitch on the sidelines of the pre-event press conference of the second edition of the IAAF World Relays in Nassau, Bahamas, the six-time Olympic gold medalist admitted that he misses the cheetah.
“Well, the cub is doing good but I really miss him. It was nice to be in Africa just to see a different environment and meet different people. To me, being on the safari was one of the biggest things and it was really a joy,” said Bolt
Asked if he would be visiting Kenya anytime soon, the 100m and 200m world record holder said: “I don’t know. To be honest, the whole thing can be organised maybe after the season because I am always busy with my sponsors and I have charities to do.
"At the moment, I have no idea and it is even hard to travel to Africa because it is a bit far. But I think when I get time we shall know when I can make the next visit.”
The 28-year old was a star attraction at the Atlantis Island Paradise, when he arrived on Thursday evening to debut in the two-day event. Business came to a standstill at the Atlantic Coastal archipelago as locals and tourists jostled to get a glimpse of Bolt.
Mobbed by his adoring fans and tourists who struggled to take selfies with him the following afternoon, the 100m and 200m world record holder majestically strolled down to the pre-event press conference room under tight security.
The briefing was already going on, but as soon as the fastest man on the globe entered the room packed with reporters and camera crews from around the world, nobody would deny that inaugural Bahamas event had really missed.
Having missed much of last season with injury, journalists grilled Bolt over his comeback. But as expected, he did not disappoint.
“I am happy to be back competing. I started feeling better in February. The fact that the doctor tells me everything is okay and that I can run without feeling the injury motivates me.
I have been training regularly and I am very fit and ready for the race. I am happy to be here,” Bolt told reporters.
“Last season, I didn’t take the injury very seriously. Now everything that pops up I must make sure it’s not something serious. I am really taking care this season with everything that is happening in my life.”
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Bolt revealed his admiration for the relays saying the event is part of his build-up for the upcoming IAAF world championships in Beijing, where he plans to defend his sprint titles.
“I enjoy relays. It is always fun and wonderful event to compete as a team.
Personally, I know myself better and I have set targets for Beijing. I am excited and looking forward to it.”
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