Sixty seconds with super star sprinter Usain Bolt
Stamina, speed, power, coordination, agility, consistency, and stress are all part of the sports world. Tell me about it! A while back, I broke my leg para-skiing down Mt. Everest. And, for the longest time, I impressed others with my daring do, my participation in extreme sports. Until one day, that is, a cynic said, “Wait! Mt. Everest is too high and cloudy for para-skiing.” I begrudgingly admitted that I was, in fact, running to answer my cell phone in the other room, slipped on a loose area rug, and came crashing down.
All that said, I was always fascinated by the regimens of real sport’s stars. That is why I wrote my first book, Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner of Champions, in which I interviewed top pro and Olympic athletes. I wanted to learn—and share—the secrets behind their winning ways.
Suffice it to say, when I recently had the chance to talk to Usain Bolt, my pulse started to, er, race due to this unique opportunity. You know, someone once told me, “Do your best because your best is good enough.” Well, Usain is certainly the exception to that rule. Being just the best was not good enough. He had to be the best in the world. And so he is! The greatest and most famous sprinter of all time. The answer to a crossword clue in Sunday’s Los Angeles Times, kind of famous. He was also named as one of the world’s most influential people in Time Magazine. Indeed, he is an eight-time Olympic Gold medalist, and an eleven-time world champion. The list of his accolades and accomplishments run on and on…and on…Like Usain himself.
Currently, he has partnered with a technology company called SprintRay to further efforts to democratize dentistry through the launch of Bolt Labs Powered by SprintRay which will start in Jamaica, Usain’s home country.
Usain had to dash out of our interview due to a slew of other media requests. But not before I asked him a few questions to help us all become winners, as well!
JWM: Usain, do you have any general health and wellness tips?
UB: I always say be sure to hydrate — and find the time to exercise!
JWM: And we all can find the time. I will always remember my conversation with a Navy Seal. “Everyone has the same 24 hours in a day,” he told me. “And we just have to dedicate a small portion of that solely for our own benefits, fitness being of utmost importance.” Now, Usain, given your affiliation with SprintRay, are there any oral healthcare tips that you can share?
UB: My mom always made sure that I brush and floss before going to bed growing up so I always encourage people to do the same.
JWM: What does your personal health and fitness routine look like?
UB: I use my Peloton at least 3 times a week. [Note from JWM: No, Chris Noth, aka Mr. Big, did not have a heart attack that was caused by using the Peloton. In fact, riding it religiously probably prolonged his life given his past penchant for cocktails, cigars and big steaks!] I also try to have more healthy meals these days with more vegetables and less carbs.
JWM: Do you have any other tips for performing your best or maintaining a healthy lifestyle?
UB: It’s quite simple: Eat a balanced diet, stay hydrated and, of course, exercise.
JWM: What are some techniques you’ve used to get in the right mindset before a race?
UB: I surrounded myself with positive and encouraging people who helped me be in the right state of mind. I believe it’s important to try to enjoy what you do and that will allow you to find peace of mind.
JWM: When you were injured, what was your recovery like? How did you keep a positive mindset?
UB: I always knew my purpose and mission in life, so that motivated me to push myself when recovering from injuries.
JWM: Thank you for your time, Usain. Knowing our purpose and mission—and determining to go for it by applying self-control, discipline and will power—will help us all become Better Than Before, physically, emotionally and spiritually.
Now would everyone like to hear how I fell off a camel on a press trip to Morocco and subsequently needed a hip replacement? Pause. I didn’t think so!
