Former sprinting hero Usain Bolt, celebrated as the world’s fastest man, has recently opened up about serious health challenges that have drastically affected his day-to-day well-being. The Jamaican legend now finds himself out of breath even when climbing a flight of stairs, a reality he admits is “humbling” and a vivid reminder of the physical toll exacted by age and injury The Guardian+1.
Bolt, now 39 years old, still holds three formidable world records — 100 m (9.58 s), 200 m (19.19 s), and 4×100 m relay (36.84 s) — feats that cemented his dominance from 2008 to 2016 The Sun+1. Yet, in retirement since 2017, his fitness has declined noticeably. A ruptured Achilles tendon sustained in mid-2024 during a charity soccer match has played a major role in eroding his cardiovascular endurance Reuters+2People.com+2.
In an illuminating interview with The Guardian, Bolt described how everyday exertion — such as climbing stairs — leaves him breathless: “I mostly do gym workouts. I’m not a fan, but I think now that I’ve been out for a while I have to actually start running. Because when I walk up stairs I get out of breath.” He added that returning to laps may help rebuild his breathing capacity The Guardian+1.
Alongside the Achilles rupture, Bolt has long managed scoliosis, a curvature of the spine that has had repercussions throughout his athletics career. Despite early concerns that the condition might derail his progression, rigorous physical therapy and strengthening work allowed him to reach his peak. In interviews over the years, he acknowledged that scoliosis affected his posture and stride but ultimately did not stop his meteoric rise.
Today, though Botox’s records remain untouched, managing scoliosis continues to factor into his quality of life. He relies on therapy, core work, and caution to keep pain and stiffness at bay. Nonetheless, the combination of age, past injuries, and diminished training intensity has led to a steady decline in fitness that he candidly acknowledges India Today+1.
Despite these struggles, Bolt remains fiercely proud of his legacy. He speaks warmly of his family life, particularly his children — daughter Olympia Lightning, age five, and twin sons Saint Leo and Thunder, age four. He has pledged to take them to the 2027 World Championships in Beijing, the city where he first stunned the world with gold and record-breaking performances. He hopes his children can fully grasp the significance of his achievements when they see where it all began The Guardian+1.
Bolt also reflected on the present state of male sprinting. Although track surfaces and spike technology have advanced since his era, he believes his generation simply had greater raw talent. He praised upcoming female sprinters while maintaining that the men’s side has yet to reach the levels he and his contemporaries achieved The Guardian+1.
Despite stepping away from competitive athletics nearly a decade ago, Bolt’s charisma remains intact. His decision to engage fans through interviews, appearances, and now sharing personal health battles, has deepened the global connection with his story. Fans worldwide, many of whom cheered him on as he swept Olympics and World Championships, now witness the human side of a legend grappling with life beyond the track.
In closing, Bolt’s honesty about breathlessness, scoliosis, injury and aging shapes a narrative far richer than medals alone. He may no longer race against time, but his legacy endures — not just as a record holder, but as a human being who reached the pinnacle of sport, and now faces life’s next chapter with courage and perspective. He remains a champion in spirit, committed to sharing his journey with the next generation — especially his children — at the future stages of his sport.
