Put your questions to Usain Bolt
It's not easy catching up with Usain Bolt.
Even if you had the speed - or a motorbike capable of the speed - there's finding time in the schedule of a sporting superstar in demand around the world. And, indeed, the fact that you're unlikely to have access to his mobile or email address.
It is with happy heart, then, that I type the following sentence: this blog can give you access to the fastest man the world has ever seen.
It's quite simple. You post your question for the golden-spiked legend down below, and the best 12 will be put to Usain out in Jamaica this weekend. His answers will appear here early next week.
How could he possibly have been that relaxed on the blocks in Beijing? Will he have a tilt at Michael Johnson's 400m world record? And what's the ideal number of chicken nuggets to eat before an Olympic final?
Feel free to be creative - the more interesting the thought, the better the chance it has of making the cut.
For all of us there's the question of what Usain can come up with next.
After the world records and gold medals of last summer, his life has changed irrevocably. Has he been able to train with the same intensity? Can he handle the furore and pressure of being one the world's most recognisable sportsmen?
When he ran at Crystal Palace four years ago, he was able to stroll around the arena afterwards without being bothered by anyone.
At the same meet last summer, he was undoubtedly the big draw but could still walk around central London unrecognised.
Not any more. When he comes back to Britain in May for the Great Manchester 150, the city streets will come to a standstill. Sir Alex Ferguson has invited him to watch Manchester United train. Cristiano Ronaldo wants him to pop round to show him some speed drills.
The race itself sees Bolt take on Britain's Simeon Williamson and Mark Lewis-Francis on a street track. It'll be the first time he's ever raced over 150 metres, although that might not be much consolation for the Brit boys.
Do golden spikes have golden soles? A few more sprinters might be about to find out.
I'm Tom Fordyce and I cover cricket, rugby, tennis, athletics and - well, most sports except monkey-tennis. You can also follow me on 
© MMIX~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~40~RS~)
Comments
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If you could have done any other job, Mr Bolt, what would it be?
Do you think you would be the best at it?
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Have you ever missed a bus?
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Hi Usain
Do you think you could beat me at Table Football ?
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Have you ever lost a race?
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Hello Usain
i dont know how much this question should be on here but…
i am at college studying graphic design and training for 100m sprint and 110mhurdles…one of our projects was to design a logo for a icon to the world so i chose you
how interested would you be in looking at my logo and possibly using it??
cheers
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Who are the shinning stars at Boys Champs 2009. 400m looks interesting, what are your thoughts.
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Hi Usain. I recently heard that your sporting idol was the great Waqar Younis, but who was the person that made you want to be the best at athletics?
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You always good, but it was only at the beginning of 2008 when you kicked off. Did you feel this was going to happen and that this was your time?
And how long do you think you can keep your status as fastest man in the world?
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Usain, what was the last song you listened to before running in the 100M olympic final and did this help motivate you to win?
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Mr. Bolt,
do you think that the strategy of running can compare to chess.
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You are obviously a natural sportsman by being able to run in multiple distances and win pretty easily. So, what other sports do you enjoy and if you switched your attention to them would you also be the best of all time?
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Do you feel for your country man Asafa Powell, because before he was the fvourite and with you taking the glory in the 100m he didn't come second. How do you feel for him?
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Why do u think your were able to improve your times and technique so vastly during that week at beijing?
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How fast do you think that you can get the 100m and 200m world records down to, and would you ever have a go the 400m?
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Hi Mr Bolt,
Have you ever been offered performance enhancing drugs and have you ever been tempted to take them?
Thanks
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If you hadn't eased up towards the end of the 100m in Beijing, how fast would you have run?
Also have you been working on the post-race dance since Beijing?
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I heard a loud bang at the start of the 100m final in Beijing...
I assumed it was just the start gun, but I've heard rumours that it was actually you breaking the speed of sound... Could you deny/confirm this please?
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Justin Gatlin and Tim Montogomery both held the 100m world record before you only to be banned for doping offences.
Your world record substantially faster than their times.
How do you respond to claims that it would be impossible to beat times posted by doped athletes by such a large margin?
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Did you ever play kisschase at school?
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Hi Usain, you truly were the 'Human Highlight Reel' of the Beijing Games. I hear your a big cricket fan so I’m sure your happy with the current West Indies revival.
My question is how difficult is it for small nations, in the case of Jamaica and the surrounding Islands, to grow, develop and hold onto local sporting talent for the traditional sports of Athletics and Cricket with such limited financial resources? Especially when the US offer scholarships and financial security as incentives to move and the pay scale in US sports -ever increasing in popularity- is so much higher than the traditional island sports that are so intertwined in the historical, cultural and social heritage fabric that binds the Caribbean so seamlessly.
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The 100m is a sport that is a mind over body matter. Tension seems to disappate away from you have you ever suffered from nerves in a race such as even a a boy. If you did how did you overcome this? Did it allow your body to perform better?
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You won both the 100m and the 200m whilst breaking both world records. Which race/record means more to you?
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Hi Usain
If you had to pick three rules which you would never break in your professional life what would they be.
I am not talking about "Never take drugs" etc. I mean three beliefs/behaviours/rules which you value above all else in order to become a champion.
Tks
The Squire
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Bolt
How did you feel when at Western Champs 2001 I blazed down the track on the anchor leg of Cornwall College's class 2 4x100 relay team to pip you to the line while you were anchoring William Knibb in heat 2. Grated I did get the baton substatially ahead but my last ditch dive was enough. How did that feel huh? huh?
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How do you think the psychological pressure of being a sprinter compares with that of playing in team sports?
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Mr Bolt,
Do you think you would have beaten Michael Johnson in his prime? Also, why are you not going to compete in all three of the sprint events at the next Olympics? You have said if you did 400 metres, you would stop doing the 100 metres. Also, can you train me?
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When you crossed the finish line and slapped your chest in victory, I know it must have hurt afterwards!! - did it?
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Hello Mr Bolt. Did you think you would break the world records for the 3 sprint events? Also, do you think your time for the 100 m could have been even lower? Thanks :).
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Do you reckon your physique plays a factor in your sprinting? If you were more 'stocky' (smaller but muscular), would that have an impact on your performance?
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When you're in an important race does time ever slow down for you so ten or 20 seconds seems to last much longer?
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Since your rise to fame, you must be getting a lot of attention from females wanting to get with you. How do you keep focused and handle all the addedd pressure
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What inspired you to start running when you were younger? Also, now that you are officially the fastest man in the world what motivates you to keep running now that you have reached the pinnacle of your sport?
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Hi Usain,
I have been involved in athletics for the past 13 years and all the way through it is common knowledge that taking performance inhancing drugs are wrong, im shure this has been the same with you.
With all the good work that you did for the image of athletics last year, how do you feel about racing against Dwane Chambers possibly once or twice this year including the world championships?
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Usain = LEGEND - great to speak to you man (i'll be watching you in Manchester!)
Now dont take this the wrong way but i kinda get the impression that you know how good you are, with your gold spikes, slick celebrations and everything (which I thought were too cool by the way). So do you think self-confidence is more important to success than all that physical condtitioning and fitness stuff? after all we all gotta get our mcnuggets...
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It is possible that you were at the peak of your powers in Beijing and by not running to the line you may have missed the opportunity to maximize your potential in terms of time. Do you think you may one day regret this, bearing in mind the fickle nature of injury, conditions and opportunity?
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Hi Usain what would be your dream 200 metre final (and 100) out of past and present athletes?
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What does a typical training day consist of for you?
Any speedball work like Scotland's national sprint hero Allan Wells?
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Usain, with your height, run speed, and past experience with the game of cricket, have you ever thought of making an attempt at bowling a few overs, knowing that a jump at the crease could well see some fast-bowling speed record, and quite possibly efective results against some batsmen at regional, or test level?
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Usain, it's friday evening and you just can't be bothered to cook. You have the choice of Curry, Chinese or Fish and Chips. Which is it to be?
I'm a Fish and Chips man myself, but seeing as how you're a world champion I'll respect your opinion, whatever you go for.
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What do you eat? As in what meals does your daily diet consist of?
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Hello Mr Bolt,
I have to say watching you win those medals - was surreal - you were celebrating before you crossed the line. So my question is, where do you get so much confidence?
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Hi Bolt, me and my friends have created a bebo band called representing the bolt. will you join it?
http://www.bebo.com/representbolt
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Yo Ubi
In your opinion, what is the best place for salt fish, rice/pea and goat curry in Kingston? Were/are you able to eat these things now that you're training professionally? Have certain foods made you run faster?
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What are your biggest challenges in the sport after your dominance over last summer?
And is your middle name lightning?...
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Hi Usain, did you always know right from the start of the Olympics that you were going to win the 100m, 200m, 4x100m and smash world records along the way?
If I get another one...Did you really find running the 100m that quickly that easy?
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after winning three gold medals in beijing it must be more difficult to motivate yoourself to furthur success. What is it that drives you to be successful?
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movado or cartel?
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Hi,
Did you receive any football training in return for helping Christiano Ronaldo run faster?
Thanks,
Murra4
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Hi Usian,
Your heroics in the 100 -200m in bejing were truly awesome and to which i'll never forget.
However I see that you have done some ealry season 400m. Do you think that you have the speed endurnace to challenge that world record and what about taking on the ever emerging La Shawn Merrit and the Great Jeremy Wariner, who has dominated that distance for four years now (excuse Bejing) and who has also said that he will break that world record.
I think that this could lead to some truly great match ups against those guys.... Also did you do much work for those 400m you did. Or did you just go from your 100-200m training?
best of luck for the season.
Pete.
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How fast do you clock whilst walking 100m?
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Could you please explain why you support Man Utd?? For one so great i was very surprised.
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Usain,
What obsticals do you think would need to be put into your lane to make it a fair fight?
At full tilt, how quickly could you run the 100?
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Congratulations on your recent success withi the past year, you have made our country (Jamaica) proud.
Now lets discuss the matter at hand.
I believed that you were a supporter of Real Madrid, then, I've heard it's now Manchester United, and by the way, congratulations on that successful interview granted with Rio Ferdinand. Now, being the sports juggernaut that you now are, something simple as pledging allegiance to a team favorite in football is deemed critical, especially in the eyes of the fans and the public in general, now, with that being said, which of the two teams is your favorite? And, if you were to challenge Manchester United's 'Cristiano Ronaldo' to a 100m event, what do you think his chances would be?
One LOVE...
Stanley
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Usain,
If you could do anything in the world other than athletics what would it be? and what would you consider doing for a living once you eventually decide to hang up your spikes?
All the best,
Ben
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Usain
Do you think you can reach man's indurance at running the 100M?
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Much was made of what Michael Phelps eats while he is training. What is your diet?
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How much can you bench in a gym..?
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Hello Mr Bolt,
Congratulations on everything you have achieved, and I hope you continue your success.
My question is this: The 'norm' for a sprinter is to be substantially shorter than you are. How did it feel, and how did you cope with, committing at a young age to a disapline which coaches and others professed to be a shorter mans disapline? And what advice would you have for other individuals starting out who are discouraged due to body types (not abilty) differing from the accepted norm?
Thank you
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Hey Bolt from the Blue, you just changed the way people view 100 m dashes - no, the 100 m track is no longer the steam-engine track where muscled cyborgs huff and puff to glory. You - Usain "THUNDERBOLT"have changed all that - sudenly, you have just transformed the whole track into a sublime work of art - you are just pure poetry in motion, fluid, tranquil, exalted. The pure grace and ease with which you leave the rest behind is just maverick!
We, the people expect a lot more from you - that you will take running to a whole new level - but sometimes, I wonder if the lack of any real competition will steal that glory from you.
You are on your own, in a different zone altogether. You will have to push yourself. You know it, your race is inward, and the race has just begun...
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Sir,
How Jamaica always produce world's best sprinters ? Is there any secret ? - Deepak Acharya, New Delhi, India
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hi Usain "lighting" Bolt
if you could host a tv program what would it be about?
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Hey Usain,
tell us about your mom's influence in your life. I can tell she is so proud of you. Good luck men, you are an inspiration.
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Hi Usain,
Why is it that Jamaica produces so many outstanding sprinters?
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hi mr Bolt,
do you have some tips to help me get faster and for how long have you been trainig to achieve your level of speed?
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Why Man United??
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In the spirit of the classic Jamaican movie "Cool Runnings", have you any intentions of medalling in the winter olympics in a bob sled after your sprinting days are over?
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Hi Usain. Congratulations on your fantastic performance at the Olympics. It was a pleasure to watch someone who obviously enjoys his sport. But tell me what are the main factors that set JAMAICAN athletes apart in training ambience, from the mighty USA and the strict regime of the former E.Germany in the 1970's and 1980's? Is it just the beautiful island, climate, methods.....what?
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My mate says he saw you in Kingston, Surrey. He has a photo of himself and you in the pedestrianised area outside JJB that he has subsequently put on Facebook. Why were you in Kingston?
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So, your the fastest man to ever walk on the Earth, but surely it can't last forever. What do you think the future will hold for you once you start to slow down (heaven forbid)? Do you see yourself as a future coach training the latest sprinters of Jamaica, or maybe a position alongside Colin Jackson and Michael Johnson in the commentary box is more appealing?
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Hi Usain,
what training drills and exercises would you recommend to someone looking to improve their 100 m time?
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Dwayne Chambers cheated, however having served his ban I think he should be allowed back to run with no restrictions if he is good enough, which clearly he is. What is your opinion on his current plight, should he be allowed to compete as surely you want to beat the best?
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Dear Mr Bolt
Thank you in advance for the Beijing memories and for lighting up the Bird's Nest stadium throughout the Games. The relaxed manner in which you approached the 100 and 200 metres races coupled with the exuberant and passionate celebrations after winning both were, in themselves, great adverts for the sport. I'm sure that this positive yet carefree attitude did as much to warm you to the watching millions as your race victories, which leads me nicely to my question: I'm attending a wedding in May and the dress code is listed as 'casual', what does that actually mean in this context?
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Hi Usain
There is a promising young russian sprinter call Hugo Nickabollokof who is highly rated - have you heard of him and do think he has the makings of an olympic champion ?
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Love your work Usain, I heard that if you were not sprinting you'd want to have been a fast bowler in cricket. What is your view of the state of West Indian cricket after the Stanford cash injections.
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Hi Usain - would you ever be tempted to have a crack at long jump or any other field events, using your crackerjack pace to move into other athletic disciplines?
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Hi Usain,
You seem to be a big fan of fast food(Chicken nuggets if I remember rightly being the pre-Olympic final snack of choice) which is always described as catastrophically bad for anyone let alone the fastest man on the planet.
My question is is that how you always live or is there a more standard athletes diet you follow for the rest of the season and preseason?
Many Thanks
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can you please not teach ronaldo how to run faster and instead give adebayor some advice?
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hi mr.Bolt
whats your favourite potato?
much love
haggis
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how many toes have you got?
ive got 6
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i am spartacus !!
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im faster than you
i challenge you to a race
only wastemen say no to me !!
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whats your favourite south east london based championship football team? (must be in the bottom 4)
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Dear Mr Bolt,
Your pace is an asset that would be highly valued in an elite sports team such as our Monday night 5-a-side football team. Therefore I would like to formally invite you to come and play for AFC D3 at Wimbledon Goals every Monday night, fancy a kickabout?
Best regards,
George
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Hi Usain,
I'm a big fan of F1 motor racing (which is nearly as fast as you), and some of the drivers have lucky charms or certain superstitious rituals (such as getting into the car from one side rather than the other) that they believe helps them.
Do you do anything like this, eg, wearing 'lucky' underpants, putting one running shoe on before the other, getting onto your blocks from a certain side?
Many thanks
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just a quick question dont wantit to ruin our friendship or relationship between us and sorry if it does but......
would you choose wotsits over skips??
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Usain, you appeared to slow down in the last 15 metres of the 100m final in Beijing, do you personally believe you can break your own record again?
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Ive just watched a thrilling documentary about Sport in the carribean, the highs and lows of such an amazing nation was gripping and kept me interested right the way through.
The plight of 3 great sprinters combined with an american coach and a fantastic sled car driver.
I was wondering if at any point in your career John Candy has asked you to do bobsleighing?
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Usain what would you do if someone became aggresive with you run,fight or try and use some Jamaican charm???
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hi there, due to the intense outbreak of foot and mouth disease and the global thenomanom of the credit crunch and also the devastating effects of global warming, i dont want to be to much of a pain in your glutemus maximus, but i would just like to ask you one thing, bearing in mind barack obama is now president and with the inaugeration and everything, i wanted to ask you. . . DO YOU FEEL LUCKY, PUNK ?
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Hi Sir
My Names chip diddy chip
i dont ever tolerate lip diddy lip
say the wrong fing n il flip diddy flip
i fancy a subway, do i have a 6 inch or go for the footlong?
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Hi Usain
What do you think is the key behind Jamaica producing so many world class sprinters?
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I have read press articles that suggest that the Jamaican success at the Olympics could have been helped by drug use because the Jamaican federation does not have a testing program to IAAF/WADA standards.
Do you feel that your federation is letting you down in providing amunition for the doubters and do you have a role to play in ensuring that the authorities in Jamaica get their act together?
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Usain,
Im 26, i currently work in an office and havent been involved in athletics since throwing the shot putt in my year 8 sports day (Which i came 4th!). I am now a healthy 16 stone and enjoy a drink on the weekend, but i think though i could probably do you over 3 metres!
I was wondering what advice you could give me for the extra 97 metres and ill see you in the silver medal position beside me in 2012.
Also do you fancy a pint next time your in Welwyn Garden??
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Hi Usain.
You famously eat chicken nuggets the afternoon before the 100m final in bejing. What sauce (if any) did you eat with the chicken nuggets? and were the nuggets oven cooked or bought from a fast food outlet? was there a fast food outlet in the olympic village in bejing?
James
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Mr Bolt,
Why didn't you sprint all of the way to the end in your 100m final when you won the gold and just beat the record?? What was the chest slapping all about....were you trying to take off?
Cheers
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Mr. Bolt
When running, do you experience Doppler-shift effects from the sounds in front of and behind you ?
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Mr. bolt,
Do you think that a runner will ever get into the 9.5`s ( seconds ) ?
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Can you run 100m in 9.5 second? What is your best?
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Watching you, you have supreme confidence in yourself and your abilities.
Have you ever had a time when your confidence was low? and if so, how did you come out of it and get to where you are now
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I listened to the Olympic 100m final on the radio, and Darren Campbell said that because the secret to sprinting was relaxation, he thought that your celebrating before you even crossed the line wouldn't have slowed you down. Do you believe that or could you have run quicker?
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Usain, will you ever run a competitive 400 m?
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Fame has it's benefits and drawbacks.
What has been the most surprising/unexpected effect that fame has had on you and your view of the world?
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Thanks for your questions. As Tom says, the best will be put to Usain over the weekend and you will be able to watch video of his replies early next week.
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Hi Usain,
I would like to know, how effective is the chat up line:
"hey, did you know I’m the quickest man alive?!" - I’m thinking it could go either way…?!
Kind Regards
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hi usain my name is sean
my question is that i am a striker for my local football team and i need to be able to sprint 10 meters here and there during matches.
do you have any tips to make me faster?
and do like football if yes who is your favourite team?
thanks and well done at the olympics.
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Mr Bolt i have 3 questions.
1. I think daylight saving time is pointless. What do you think?
2. Who would win a bike race/arm wrestle between you and Asafa?
3. Is Guinness and Red Bull really that nice?
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Do you actually run faster in training or in big events?
Does having fast competitors next you bring out the best in sprinters, or being alone with your coach on the training track get your best times?
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Usain.. How are ya. Who's going to win the Grand national at Aintree?
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Dear Mr Bolt,
As you turned to the crowd in the dying seconds of your 100m olympic final had you planned to thump your chest in delight or was it an spontaneous reaction?
Also what is your favorite film??
Best regards,
Louis
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What is the width of your thighs??
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Mr Bolt
have you ever seen cool running' the film??
if so would you ever consider auditioning for the bobsleigh team??
regards
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My boyfriend has named his racing time trial bike after you, does this kind of thing happen often?
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