In the coming years, five high – level runners could fill the position left by the athlete

After his retirement from professional athletics, where he won medals and beat different world records, Usain Bolt left a great legacy in the sport. However, there are other great world performance athletes that intend to follow Bolt’s steps.

Currently, there are five high level runners: Yohan Blake, Justin Gatlin, Andre De Grasse, Christophe Lemaitre and Alonso Edward. In this regard, it is worth asking, what are the special features of each of these athletes that could lead them to replace Usain Bolt?

1. Yohan Blake, Usain Bolt's heir

He is a jamaican sprinter and at his 28 years, Blake has been world champion in the specialty of the 100 meters in 2011. In addition, at the Olympics, the athlete won two gold medals in the 4×100 meters and a silver medal in the 100 and 200 meters respectively, behind Usain Bolt. In the 100 and the 200-meter dash, the athlete could approach Bolt’s marks. By age and experience, Blake would be an important athlete in the future. Additionally, he knows each Bolt movements because he competed with him. Furthermore, Blake is warrior, explosive, has a good shot and ambition.

2. Justin Gatlin, American high level

This American athlete has 35 years old and he already had the luxury of beating Usain Bolt in the final of the World Championships in London in 2017 in the 100 meters. In this occasion, Gatlin made a record of 9.92 seconds while Bolt made 9.95. The athlete is a specialist in sprints and in the coming years can overcome some brands registered by Bolt. Gatlin is mainly characterized by its great rapidity, but had a suspension for doping. However, after his return, he came back with a number of important strengths reflected in his sports and mental abilities.

3. Andre De Grasse and his excellent category

Grasse is a Canadian sprinter who won the silver medal in the modality of the 200 meters and bronze medals in the 100m and 4x100m Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. For this reason, the athlete became the first Canadian athlete to win three medals at the Olympics. The sprinter is quite strong and at his young age, he has become one of the great promises of his country in various international competitions. With 23 years, Grasse has a great future ahead and there will be several competitions where he can bring out his great talent and excellent potential.

4. Christophe Lemaitre, a Frenchman with great skills

The French rider has great conditions and repeatedly faced Usain Bolt. In the Rio 2016 Olympics, the athlete won the bronze medal in the 200m after a tough final with the Jamaican. At the European Championships in Barcelona, Lemaitre won the gold medal in the 100, 200, and 4×100 meters. Similarly, the athlete won the gold medal in Helsinki in the 100 meters. Therefore, he has the conditions and the achievements to follow the trials ahead.

5. A Latin promise called Alonso Edward

Edward is a Panamanian sprinter with Jamaican ancestry, who has excelled in different speed tests for its explosion and rapidity to compete. At 28 years, he has already competed with world – class athletes and has demonstrated that he has an excellent talent. The athlete began to have recognition after winning the 100 meters at the South American Youth Championship in 2007. Edward set a time of 10.28 seconds, which was one of the best South American youth records. The athlete has excelled in various world athletic competitions.

These are high – level five athletes who have shown great conditions on the global tracks, they are emerging to replace or succeed in the future a great monarch of world athletics as it is Usain Bolt. These runners have a lot to offer thanks to their immense talent.

Latin American Post | Daniel Cuevas
Translated from “Bolt: ¿Quiénes están siguiendo los pasos del monarca?”