KINGSTON: World-record sprinter and eight-time Olympic gold medalist Usain Bolt has reportedly contracted the coronavirus.
The Jamaican sprinter was diagnosed with the infectious disease a week after celebrating his 34th birthday with a big, mask-free party. The Olympic legend confirmed that he is in self-isolation at his home in Jamaica after taking a Covid-19 test on Saturday.
Jamaica’s health ministry confirmed late on Monday that Bolt, who holds world records in the 100-meter and 200-meter sprints, had tested positive after he posted a video on social media around midday saying he had been tested and was awaiting the results.
“Just to be safe, I quarantined myself and just taking it easy,” Bolt said in the message that he appeared to have taped himself while lying in bed. It was posted with the caption “Stay safe my ppl”.
It is to be noted that Usain Bolt retired from athletics in 2017. Bolt was dubbed “the fastest man alive” after winning multiple gold medals at 2008, 2012 and 2016 Summer Games. He is the only sprinter to have won the 100-meter and 200-meter golds at three consecutive Olympics (2008, 2012 and 2016).
The coronavirus has affected 23,812,869 million people in the world, while 817,033 deaths have occurred. According to the latest data, 16,363,910 patients have recovered from the pandemic so far.
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