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Cape Town - Usain Bolt inspired exceptional performances from high school athletes competing in the School of Speed athletics meet at Ruimsig Stadium in Johannesburg on Monday.
Bolt electrified the stadium as he strutted his stuff on the track, posed for selfies and charmed fans in the stands.
Bolt also offered these words of inspiration to young athletes in South Africa: “My motto is anything is possible. When I started out I never knew I’d be this great, I just wanted to be a good sprinter. I worked hard, stayed dedicated and was always positive and confident in my team and myself, that if I pushed myself I could be great.”
The President of Athletics South Africa, Aleck Skhosana was in attendance and said: “This is one of the most important days for the continent of Africa. One of its sons has come to plough the seed and over the coming years you will see the mushrooming of this seed, as our young athletes are inspired by your visit.
“This is the kind of inspiration we need right now as we vigorously strive to be the best in the world.”
PUMA Marketing Director Brett Bellinger said PUMA appointed Bolt as the Principal when they launched the School of Speed last year.
“We have been involved with the Jamaican Boys & Girls Championship since 2002, so it was logical to bring a similar concept to South Africa. It is important for us to unearth the next Usain Bolt. You see Thando Roto, South Africa’s second fastest man ever, sitting here and he was part of the School of Speed last year.”
The School of Speed is a national series of 5 track meets featuring explosive events like sprint races as well as short hurdles, long jump and high jump. The series is endorsed by athletics federations, so performances count towards qualification for provincial and national championships
Asked if he expected his records ever to be broken, Bolt said: “Non-one knows the possibilities for times. You can’t set limits. People find new ways to train and run more efficiently.”
Bolt then broke into a broad smile and added: “But hopefully not for another 20 years.”
Next up for the School of Speed is Kings Park Stadium, Durban on Saturday, February 10, Dal Josafat, Paarl on Monday February 26 and Tuks Stadium, Pretoria on Saturday, March 3.
