Usain Bolt launched a staunch defence of his record as a clean athlete today as the world’s fastest man tried to distance himself from athletics’ doping scandal. The six-time Olympic champion insisted he has been ‘doing phenomenal things’ since he was 15 and does not take any supplements whatsoever – only vitamin tablets ‘like every other athlete’.
Bolt’s comments come after Tyson Gay and Asafa Powell, who both made the 100 metres final at London 2012, tested positive for banned substances. Gay claimed he had been ‘let down’ by someone he trusted, while Powell alleged he tested positive for a stimulant after taking a new supplement.
Bolt and British sprinter James Dasaolu pose at the top of the Shard.
Bolt said: ‘I was planning to explain this to people. How long have people been following Usain Bolt? ‘If you’ve been following me since 2002 you would know I’ve been doing phenomenal things since I was 15.
‘I was the youngest person to win the world juniors. I ran the world youth record at 17. ‘I’ve broken every record there is in every event I’ve ever done. For me I’ve proven myself since I was 15. I was always going to be great.
‘I was made to inspire people and made to run. I was given a gift and that’s what I do. I know I’m clean, so I’m just going to continue running and using my talent and that’s what I’m going to do.’
The sprint king has only spoken to Powell via BlackBerry Messenger since news of the test broke. He told Powell to ‘stay stong’ and isn’t condemning his former relay team-mate. (MailOnline)