Usain Bolt faces a crucial moment in his soccer career
The world’s fastest human has been trying to forge a new career outside of track and field, playing the last few months for a soccer team in Australia.
On Friday, Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt might find out if he’s got what it takes on the pitch.
Bolt has been listed as a “good chance” to make his first start for the Central Coast Mariners of the Hyundai A-League in a friendly against the Macarthur South West United team.
“This is going to be a big game,” he said on the Mariners’ website. “I think it will determine if the club makes up its mind on what to do with my career.”
The 32-year-old Bolt switched to soccer this summer after retiring from track, where he dominated for more than a decade with gold medals in the 100 and 200 meters at three consecutive Olympic Games.
His tenure with the Mariners has been described as an “indefinite training period.” At 6-foot-5 and blazing fast, he makes for a striking figure on the field.
“I think my touches are much better now,” he said. “I’ve learned how to set my body, where to place the ball, get the ball from underneath my feet so there are a lot of things that I’ll be applying to the game.”
The A-League season begins later this month.
“I’m just pushing myself,” Bolt said. “I think I’ve put in a lot of work, so now it’s time to just go out there and execute.”
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