Published 19:22 IST, October 15th 2018
"I'm not even a professional footballer yet," Legendary sprinter Usain Bolt left fuming after drug test notice
Usain Bolt appears was left stunned after being handed a drug test by notice by the Australian football association, despite retirement from athletics in 2017.
- SportFit
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Jamaican sprint legend Usain Bolt appears to be left stunned after being handed a drug test notice by the Australian football association, despite retirement from athletics in 2017.
The track and field legend retired from athletics last year as he bids to launch his football career in Australia. However, he is yet to be offered a permanent deal by the A-League side Central Coast Mariners, where he currently is on trial.
The news of the drug testing comes right after Usain Bolt starred on his first full debut for A-League side Central Coast Mariners in a friendly against Macarthur South West. After having a relatively quiet first half, the world's fastest man sprung to life in the second half by grabbing his brace as the Central Coast Mariners strolled to a 4-0 win over Macarthur South West.
The goals might have proved to ease the weight of the Jamaican's shoulders after struggling to leave his mark during his side's previous pre-season encounters. Though, the board members of Football Federation Australia seem to find something fishy.
The Australian FA has demanded an out of competition test -- to collect urine and blood of the eight-time Olympic champion. But the news didn't seem to go down well with Usain Bolt, who voiced his displeasure over his Instagram account.
"How am I going to get a drug test today? I'm not even a professional footballer yet. Seriously," said Bolt.
"So I asked the lady, 'Why am I getting drug tested when I haven't signed for a club yet?? and she said they told her I'm an elite athlete so I have to get tested. Okay then."
Despite his displeasure, it appears the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority guidelines mean he is eligible to be tested. The legislation defines an athlete as a "person who competes in sport" if "the sport has an anti-doping policy".
The 31-year-old had been given permission to train with the Australian outfit for an indefinite period. And now as it seems, his dream of becoming a professional footballer could go down the drain, if Central Coast Mariners decide against handing him a permanent contract in the wake of the recent news.
The legendary sprinter has previously had the privilege of training with German giants Borussia Dortmund, South African club Mamelodi Sundowns FC and Norwegian club Strømsgodset. The 31-year-old is an ardent fan of English giants Manchester United, and has played at their home ground, Old Trafford, when he featured in the UNICEF fundraiser match for World XI against England.
Updated 22:26 IST, October 15th 2018