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USAIN: Bolting happily into history
BY Garfene Grandison Observer TEENage writer UWI
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
<span style="font-weight: bold">Entering this well-secured residential complex,</span> the setting was no different from any other gated complex in Uptown Kingston. In this complex there is one huge exception.
Here lives one of the world's most popular men - Jamaica's own glory kid.
<span style="font-weight: bold">It was not surprising then, that the security detail meticulously reviewed our person and possessions and only after were we finally admitted into the intimate community. We did not, however, need the number of the town-house in any case the BMW parked in the driveway was a dead giveaway.</span>
We made our way from our car and to the front door where we were invited inside. Not surprising, an exotic odour captured our nasal passages as we ventured past the kitchen. Some of that infamous Trelawny yam perhaps. In my head I thought "maybe I should try some and see if its really in the yam", but then I was brought back to reality when I heard the soon-to-be Honourable fellow on his back patio dejaying.
Fear gripped me - not because I was interviewing the world's fastest - but because I was totally unprepared to conduct this interview. See, only 15 minutes ago, I was summoned from lunch at UWI to conduct this exclusive interview. Surely this wouldn't be an opportunity to pass over. However, I got my bearings together, greeted the man, who so many wish to emulate and took it from there: here goes nothing.
Then 16-year-old Usain Bolt, engages the crowd at the 2003 staging of the Pan-Am Junior Games in Barbados. (Photo: Observer file)
Seated on a black couch with nothing but fatigue in his eyes the man I came to interview greeted us and beckoned us to the plush couch. Looking at his attire there was no surprise who sponsored this gentleman. He was decked out in Puma from head to toe. As the interview began he started to feel more comfortable and then we saw the Usain Bolt that we are used to seeing on the track: fun, jovial and laid-back.
After a number of questions, the 23-year-old Usain Bolt gave me the reason as to why he looked so tired. "Me guh Blitz las' night". In addition to the many days of non-stop fun, which of course was well-deserved, there was no doubt as to why Bolt was so tired. But still he was up and in high spirits.
And just before jetting of to New York last Wednesday, Usain sat down with TEENage to give us an exclusive.
When asked how has life been lately, the 100- and 200-metre Champion stated, "It's been okay. I'm just laying low, trying not to do much. But mainly it's all about relaxing and enjoying myself."
My next question kinda took him by surprise. Putting down his plate of dumplings with sausage and beans he gives me a puzzled look. Then he repeats "five words to describe myself? Laid-back, fast (laughs), intelligent, confident." The fifth quality took a little more time to be chosen as he debated with his best friend sitting beside him, but then NJ finally found a word to describe his friend. "hilarious".
Looking at his attire and how he is on a normal basis, it came as no surprise that his personal style is simplicity. Although a big fan of Hugo Boss and Gucci, Bolt enjoys the more simple things in life.
There is no doubt that Usain has racked up quite a number of achievements and he feels just as proud of himself as we all do. "I'm definitely proud of maself. It takes lots of hard work to reach where I am today. At 15, it was just about enjoying myself, but I really wasn't looking for this down the road."
There are many people who continue to argue Bolt's credibility by comparing him now to when he was 15 while others think that his partying ways will affect his future achievements.
According to Usain, "people stress too much. A lot of people are nervous about my accomplishments, but I just accept them as they come. As long as I'm running and doing what I love then I'm happy."
The next big question posed to the Olympic and World Champion: How do you feel about being given the fourth highest honour in Jamaica?
With a wide grin as he looked from me to TEENage editorial that was written about him the week before he replied, "I can't find words to describe it. It feels really good that the country is honouring me for my accomplishments and for the glory and whatnot that I brought to Jamaica. I feel really Honoured."
To all the persons out there who do not think that it's fitting for Bolt to receive this honour this is what he had to say, "Everyone has their own opinion. It doesn't matter what people are saying about it. People always say things about me and it doesn't affect me anymore so it all goes back to people and their own opinions and likes."
What does the future hold for our 23-year-old glory boy?
"Track and field is pretty much where it's at for me. That and trying to get some more deals", he stated. Before ending the interview Usain Bolt had this to say to young aspirants, "In life, work for what you want. Nothing comes easy. I have been through the tough times and am now reaping the rewards. But be sure that in everything you do, look after yourself first. Ensure your happiness before anyone elses."
There you have it another B exclusive with the worlds fastest man, Usain St Leo Bolt. And remember you saw it in TEENage Observer, the place where Every TEEN Matters.
BY Garfene Grandison Observer TEENage writer UWI
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
<span style="font-weight: bold">Entering this well-secured residential complex,</span> the setting was no different from any other gated complex in Uptown Kingston. In this complex there is one huge exception.
Here lives one of the world's most popular men - Jamaica's own glory kid.
<span style="font-weight: bold">It was not surprising then, that the security detail meticulously reviewed our person and possessions and only after were we finally admitted into the intimate community. We did not, however, need the number of the town-house in any case the BMW parked in the driveway was a dead giveaway.</span>
We made our way from our car and to the front door where we were invited inside. Not surprising, an exotic odour captured our nasal passages as we ventured past the kitchen. Some of that infamous Trelawny yam perhaps. In my head I thought "maybe I should try some and see if its really in the yam", but then I was brought back to reality when I heard the soon-to-be Honourable fellow on his back patio dejaying.
Fear gripped me - not because I was interviewing the world's fastest - but because I was totally unprepared to conduct this interview. See, only 15 minutes ago, I was summoned from lunch at UWI to conduct this exclusive interview. Surely this wouldn't be an opportunity to pass over. However, I got my bearings together, greeted the man, who so many wish to emulate and took it from there: here goes nothing.
Then 16-year-old Usain Bolt, engages the crowd at the 2003 staging of the Pan-Am Junior Games in Barbados. (Photo: Observer file)
Seated on a black couch with nothing but fatigue in his eyes the man I came to interview greeted us and beckoned us to the plush couch. Looking at his attire there was no surprise who sponsored this gentleman. He was decked out in Puma from head to toe. As the interview began he started to feel more comfortable and then we saw the Usain Bolt that we are used to seeing on the track: fun, jovial and laid-back.
After a number of questions, the 23-year-old Usain Bolt gave me the reason as to why he looked so tired. "Me guh Blitz las' night". In addition to the many days of non-stop fun, which of course was well-deserved, there was no doubt as to why Bolt was so tired. But still he was up and in high spirits.
And just before jetting of to New York last Wednesday, Usain sat down with TEENage to give us an exclusive.
When asked how has life been lately, the 100- and 200-metre Champion stated, "It's been okay. I'm just laying low, trying not to do much. But mainly it's all about relaxing and enjoying myself."
My next question kinda took him by surprise. Putting down his plate of dumplings with sausage and beans he gives me a puzzled look. Then he repeats "five words to describe myself? Laid-back, fast (laughs), intelligent, confident." The fifth quality took a little more time to be chosen as he debated with his best friend sitting beside him, but then NJ finally found a word to describe his friend. "hilarious".
Looking at his attire and how he is on a normal basis, it came as no surprise that his personal style is simplicity. Although a big fan of Hugo Boss and Gucci, Bolt enjoys the more simple things in life.
There is no doubt that Usain has racked up quite a number of achievements and he feels just as proud of himself as we all do. "I'm definitely proud of maself. It takes lots of hard work to reach where I am today. At 15, it was just about enjoying myself, but I really wasn't looking for this down the road."
There are many people who continue to argue Bolt's credibility by comparing him now to when he was 15 while others think that his partying ways will affect his future achievements.
According to Usain, "people stress too much. A lot of people are nervous about my accomplishments, but I just accept them as they come. As long as I'm running and doing what I love then I'm happy."
The next big question posed to the Olympic and World Champion: How do you feel about being given the fourth highest honour in Jamaica?
With a wide grin as he looked from me to TEENage editorial that was written about him the week before he replied, "I can't find words to describe it. It feels really good that the country is honouring me for my accomplishments and for the glory and whatnot that I brought to Jamaica. I feel really Honoured."
To all the persons out there who do not think that it's fitting for Bolt to receive this honour this is what he had to say, "Everyone has their own opinion. It doesn't matter what people are saying about it. People always say things about me and it doesn't affect me anymore so it all goes back to people and their own opinions and likes."
What does the future hold for our 23-year-old glory boy?
"Track and field is pretty much where it's at for me. That and trying to get some more deals", he stated. Before ending the interview Usain Bolt had this to say to young aspirants, "In life, work for what you want. Nothing comes easy. I have been through the tough times and am now reaping the rewards. But be sure that in everything you do, look after yourself first. Ensure your happiness before anyone elses."
There you have it another B exclusive with the worlds fastest man, Usain St Leo Bolt. And remember you saw it in TEENage Observer, the place where Every TEEN Matters.
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