Usain Bolt has expressed his deep disappointment over Yohan Blake and other athletes disregarding the guidance of their coach, Glen Mills. The legendary sprinter has always credited Mills for shaping him into the greatest sprinter of all time. However, he revealed that some of his training mates, including Yohan Blake and Warren Weir, failed to follow the coach’s instructions, which eventually led to their struggles.
Bolt was particularly upset that these athletes blamed Mills for their setbacks despite the fact that he had helped them overcome their initial challenges. He pointed out that when they first joined the Racers Track Club, many of them were already dealing with injuries, but Mills played a crucial role in rehabilitating them and turning them into world-class sprinters. However, as they started experiencing success, they ignored his training methods and later attributed their struggles to him when things didn’t go as planned.
One of the major reasons Bolt continued to dominate the track was his commitment to following Mills’ training program. He explained that the training routines given by the coach were carefully designed for optimal performance and injury prevention. Unfortunately, some of his peers chose to deviate from this regimen, which resulted in frequent injuries and a decline in their performances.
“That upset me deeply,” Bolt admitted. He recalled watching Blake, Weir, and other athletes come into the club with injuries, only for Mills to help them recover and transform them into stars. Blake, who became the second-fastest man in history, and Weir, who won Olympic and World Championship medals, both owed their success to Mills’ expertise. However, once they faced setbacks, they turned against him instead of acknowledging their own mistakes.
Blake, in particular, had been struggling with a back problem when he first joined the club. Mills worked extensively with him, refining his technique and training to help him reach his peak. Similarly, Weir was initially a hurdler with knee issues, but Mills transitioned him into a sprinter, leading to his success on the international stage.
Bolt was frustrated that despite all the work their coach had put in, these athletes failed to appreciate his efforts. He emphasized that Mills was the key to their success and that if they had truly listened to him, they would have maintained their high level of performance.
Beyond training, Mills also played an essential role in shaping Bolt’s overall career, even helping him with media interactions. Bolt credited Mills for teaching him how to conduct interviews and present himself professionally. He praised his coach’s intelligence, describing him as a genius who always found innovative ways to solve problems and bring out the best in his athletes.
The legendary sprinter highlighted that Mills’ impact extends beyond just his own career. The veteran coach continues to work with young talents, including Oblique Seville, one of Jamaica’s top sprinters, and Tobi Amusan, the world record holder in the 100m hurdles. Mills remains dedicated to developing the next generation of track and field stars.
Bolt’s admiration for Mills is evident, and he firmly believes that his coach deserves more respect and recognition. He remains grateful for everything Mills has done for him and acknowledges that without his guidance, he would not have achieved the level of greatness he did.
Through his words, Bolt hopes to remind athletes of the importance of discipline and trust in their coaches. He believes that success is not just about talent but also about listening, learning, and staying committed to the right training methods.
