Usain Bolt insists his legacy hasn't been tarnished by his struggles at London 2017

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Mon August 14, 2017 · 7y ago

Usain Bolt insists his struggles at the World Championships will never damage his legacy - but he's 12/1 to make an Olympics return.

The eight-time Olympic champion ended his career with a lap of honour following the end of the championships in London on Sunday.

Bolt had missed out on a successful send off as he dramatically crashed out of the 4x100 metre relay on Saturday, collapsing on the track clutching his hamstring after getting cramp with 50m to go.

Click here for our column on why Usain Bolt could be tempted to return!

It came after he could only take bronze in the 100m last weekend, denying him the chance of a final solo gold before he retired.

"For me I don't think one championship is going to change what I've done," said the Jamaican, who still admitted he needed a drink after a "rough" week.

"I remember after losing the 100m someone said to me, 'Usain, no worries, Muhammad Ali lost his last fight also, so don't be stressed about that'.

"I've proven myself year in, year out, throughout my whole career."

Bolt holds the world records over 100m and 200m of 9.58 seconds and 19.19secs respectively which look likely to stand for a long time but insisted he will not be back to try to set any new ones.

"I've seen too many people retire and come back into the sport just to make it worse or to shame themselves," he said. "I won't be one of those people."

Nevertheless, Sky Bet make it 12/1 that he does indeed compete in Tokyo.

Usain Bolt's major medals

All gold unless stated

World Championships

London 2017 - 100m (bronze), 4x100m
Beijing 2015 - 100m, 200m & 4x100m
Moscow 2013 - 100m, 200m & 4x100m
Daegu 2011 - 200m & 4x100m
Berlin 2009 - 100m, 200m & 4x100m
Osaka 2007 - 200m (silver), 4x100m (silver)

Olympic Games

Rio 2016 - 100m, 200m & 4x100m
London 2012 - 100m, 200m & 4x100m
Beijing 2008 - 100m & 200m