Usain Bolt, the legendary eight-time Olympic gold medalist, suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon during a charity soccer match on Sunday, compelling him to hit the brakes on his high-speed lifestyle.
“Raptured Achilles,” Bolt posted on X following the game, “but done know we a warrior 💪🏿.” Bolt shared a photo from the locker room, showing himself with crutches and his right foot in a boot. As captain and center-back for the Soccer Aid World XI team, Bolt faced England’s squad, which included football legends Jill Scott, Joe Cole, and Jermain Defoe.
Everything seemed fine until the second half when England launched a blistering attack. Defoe skillfully navigated through Soccer Aid World XI’s defense, and during this, Bolt was seen reaching down for his ankle, signaling an injury.
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Initially, it appeared Bolt had merely rolled his ankle, but the situation turned serious when medics arrived and carried him off the pitch. Despite the alarming scene, Bolt remained in good spirits, clapping as he was taken away.
Bolt’s injury is expected to sideline him for several months. The incident quickly went viral across media platforms, as is to be expected with the name of one of the world’s most celebrated and influential athletes.
At the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Bolt won gold in the 100m, 200m, and 4 × 100m relay, setting world records in all three events with times of 9.69, 19.30, and 37.10 seconds, respectively.
He remains the only sprinter to have won the Olympic 100m and 200m races at three consecutive Games (2008, 2012, and 2016).
Bolt hung up his boots in 2017.
But, he has not shied away from his avid love for soccer and being a skilled player. He recently revealed on an old social media post that he is training with Borussia Dortmund, a top team in the Bundesliga.
