Has the world just witnessed the first sparks of the most sensational return in athletics history? Legendary sprinter Usain Bolt has ignited a firestorm of speculation after posting electrifying footage of himself on the track again — and former rival Justin Gatlin’s response might just fan the flames of a comeback for the ages.
The 38-year-old Jamaican icon, who once brought Olympic crowds to their feet and rewrote sprinting history books, shared a video on Instagram that’s now racking up millions of views. Captured in Oslo during the prestigious Bislett Games, part of the Diamond League series, Bolt was seen crouched in his signature starting position, launching into a powerful practice sprint.
And though it was shared in slow motion, the message was clear: the king of speed hasn’t lost his stride.
“Talk to me my peeps… unnu think I still got it?” Bolt asked his 13 million followers, knowingly teasing what looks like more than just a nostalgic jog.
But what truly turned this post into global sporting drama was Justin Gatlin’s 11-word reaction in the comments:
> “I told you that you was going to get the itch.”
That’s right — Gatlin, Bolt’s fiercest rival from their golden-era battles on the track, seemingly predicted the itch to return. And he might just be right.
Though Bolt has been officially retired since a heartbreaking injury in the 4x100m relay at the 2017 World Championships, his post lit up the internet like it was 2008 in Beijing all over again. Fans instantly began speculating — was this a teaser for an exhibition? A return to competition? Or just a well-timed flex of those still-mighty fast-twitch muscles?
Adding another layer of drama, their past rivalry wasn’t without fireworks. Bolt once revealed Gatlin spat across his lane before their first head-to-head showdown — a sign of the tension and mental warfare that defined their battles. Bolt triumphed in ten of their 18 duels, but it’s clear the competitive fire still burns for both.
What makes this twist even juicier is that this isn’t the first time Bolt has flirted with the idea of a return. Speaking to talkSPORT last year, the 100m world record holder recalled a serious comeback proposal:
> “I think the CEO at the time, he’s with Adidas now, but at the time he was like, ‘Listen, we’ll give you a proper contract if you want to come back.’”
But his longtime coach Glen Mills slammed the door shut without hesitation.
> “If you’re going to retire, that’s it. I’m not going to coach you again. There’s no coming back after this.”
Bolt admitted, “I would do it,” admitting he missed the sport deeply, but his coach remained firm: no second chances.
Yet now, seeing him explode off the starting blocks once more — even in slow motion — the question is louder than ever: is the Lightning Bolt charging up for one final strike?
For fans across the globe, the idea of a Bolt vs. Gatlin rematch — or even a solo Bolt return — is enough to send chills down the spine.
Whether it’s a one-off race, a Diamond League surprise, or just Bolt reminding the world who’s boss, one thing is clear: when the fastest man alive moves, the whole world watches.
