rediff.com
News APP

NewsApp (Free)

Read news as it happens
Download NewsApp

Available on  gplay

Rediff.com  » Sports » PHOTOS: Prince Harry bolts past Usain
This article was first published 12 years ago

PHOTOS: Prince Harry bolts past Usain

Last updated on: March 7, 2012 15:50 IST

Image: Prince Harry leaves Usain Bolt in his wake as he races him at the Usain Bolt Track at the University of the West Indies in Kingston
Photographs: Getty Images

Britain's Prince Harry achieved the impossible. He beat the world's fastest man, Usain Bolt, in a friendly race as part of the royal's visit to Jamaica, in Kingston, on Tuesday.

Bolt was giving the Prince tips on starting a race, before the royal asked him to turn to his right and sprinted down the track.

The five-time World and three-time Olympic gold medallist was pleasantly surprised to see his opponent already 50 metres down the track before he could even start. All he could do was smile.

- 'Insane Usain' dazzles the world

Harry, who sported a Jamaica t-shirt, sprinted off before the officials could even signal the start of the race, much to the suprise of everyone.

'Yeah, man, he cheated'

Image: Prince Harry poses with Usain Bolt
Photographs: Getty Images

After the race, Bolt and Prince Harry then posed in the sprinter's trademark "to-the-world" pose, which has become a part of his routine following race victories.

"Yeah, man, he cheated. He knew he couldn't beat me but wanted to go back to London saying he did. I've told him I want a rematch at London 2012 but Harry said 'I'm busy'," Bolt was quoted as saying by London's Daily Mail.

"It was good, though. He cheated, but it is good, he was cool. He is very down to earth and charming. It was an honour and a pleasure to meet him. He is a really laid back guy, a wonderful person. He is professional but no like a lot of the dignitaries you meet.

"I'm the still the fastest man in the world, so he still has a long way to go. I told him that he better make time for a rematch. Because it's on," the ace sprinter added.

'Harry can Bolt'


Photographs: Getty Images

Bolt also presented Harry a pair of signed trainers and t-shirt with the words 'Harry can Bolt'.

According to the Daily Mail, the prince has bought a 100th share in a racehorse with some friends that he has, amusingly, called Usain Colt. And Bolt revealed that Harry had asked him to sign the poster so he could show his fellow-owners.

"It was meant to be a secret but he has bought a share in the horse which he has named after me. It's a real honour. He is going to go great, I think. He has already had a couple of wins," Bolt said.

'You have a clear talent your country needs'


Photographs: Getty Images

Harry was in Jamaica as part of the Diamond Jubilee tour in honour of Queen Elizabeth II, as she celebrates 60 years on the throne. He visited the Usain Bolt Track at the University of the West Indies to meet the Jamaican national team and passed on his best wishes ahead of the London Olympics.

"If you have got talent use it and don't go running off to America because you have a clear talent your country needs," Harry told the youngsters at the University of the West Indies.

Bolt is regarded as one of the best sprinters of all-time. He holds the world record in the 100 metres with an unbelievable timing of 9.58 seconds, while also holding the world record in 200m with 19.19. He also has won three Olympic golds and looks set to swell his tally at the London Olympics this year.

AGENCIES