Bolt “hurt” by criticisms of coach Glen Mills

By Kayon Raynor

World 100 and 200 metres record holder Usain Bolt has come out swinging in defense of his former coach Glen Mills who was recently raked over the coals by some athletes, who've either parted way with Mills or the Racers Track entirely in recent months and weeks.

“It hurts me personally because it’s my coach and I know he’s not going to be happy with the fact that I’m defending him the way I am right now, but these athletes should know themselves and respect that Glen Mills is the greatest,” bolt told RJRGLEANER Communications Group on Tuesday.

Bolt, who was coached by Mills to eight Olympic titles and 11 World Championships gold medals said the swipes taken at Mills by Kemar Bailey-Cole, Warren Weir and Peter Matthews on social media were without merit.

“Glen Mills has taken you to the highest level you have ever been in your career and you probably won’t get back to that level,” an upset Bolt added.

Bolt, who retired in 2017 after the World Championships in London, said while athletes are free to move on from coaches, as he has done in the past, they should always remain respectful.

“When you get to a stage where a coach is going to develop you to a level and bring you up to the greatest you have ever been, and then you are going to turn around and disrespect the coach, Glen Mills, I personally can’t sit quiet,” he declared.

Blake, 2012 double sprint silver medallist, is now being coached by Patrick Dawson at the Racers Track Club; Olympic and World Championship 200m medallist Weir is now being conditioned by American Lance Brauman in Florida, while Bailey-Cole is now working with Gregory Little at Racers.

Other athletes to have parted ways with coach Mills in recent times are World Championship representatives Senoj-Jay Givens and Jevaughn Minzie as well as former high school star Michael O'hara.