Usain Bolt may have won world 100 meter gold in Moscow, but he admitted being disappointed at one thing — "serious" Russians cramping his style.
Bolt is known for his exuberant and animated on-track antics before and after his scorchingly fast sprints, but he cut a more solemn figure in the Russian capital — although he did find time for his trademark "lightning" celebration.
"I came into the warmup area and nobody was smiling — everyone was way too serious," he said.
"I'm used to going into the championships, into the warmup area and everyone's laughing, talking, but I think the people in Russia are a bit more serious."
"I don't know why they're serious but they weren't really laughing, talking much. The finals was better because there was a lot of Jamaicans there and I could laugh and talk."
Bolt won the final on Sunday as lightning forked overhead, and was pleased at the poetic link. "I've got to get that picture right now. That's a pretty cool picture if it's so," he said.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
