Usain Bolt reiterates Olympic future: Going out as “the greatest”

Usain Bolt turns 30 on Sunday, and there’s no question the third decade of his life will be very difficult to repeat.

Bolt won his ninth gold medal on Friday night, the “triple treble” as he calls it: winning gold in three-straight Olympics in the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m.

REWATCH: Friday night’s track and field

He didn’t consider Friday night an evening for humility, saying, “There you go, I am the greatest.” He also reiterated that his Olympic career is over, and admitted there’s an exhalation in producing the wins many saw coming.

From the Associated Press:

“I am just relieved. It’s happened. I am just happy, proud of myself. It’s come true,” said Bolt, who overcame a hamstring injury earlier in the summer, then shined throughout a seven-day, seven-race stint in Rio, counting all the heats. “The pressure is real. I look at it as an accomplishment.”

We may never see another Usain Bolt; Not necessarily in terms of dominance -- a new potential track overlord is born every day, just not always nurtured -- but in terms of a mix of charisma, positivity, and the ability to deliver. Find that fountain of youth, Usain.

Follow @NicholasMendola