Image Credit: [CNN]

Formerly of 100 metre fame, Usain Bolt has swapped the sport he conquered to try and conquer another sport – his ‘dream’ in the form of football. The unusual destination for Bolt, however, was in Australia.

Picked up by Central Coast Mariners, after various trials and even a Soccer Aid appearance or two, Usain Bolt is now finally living out his dream to a certain extent. Although the location is unusual, Bolt took like a duck to water – much like his record-breaking endeavours within running – and bagged two goals in a friendly match on Friday night in Campbelltown. However, he wasn’t the only noticeable face wearing the distinctive yellow and blue of The Mariners – avid football followers in Yorkshire will be well aware of Ross McCormack, for his goalscoring exploits whilst at Leeds United. Back to the usual focus, and after McCormack and fellow Mariner Murray had netted, it was Bolt’s time to shine.

Within 10 minutes of the restart, Usain Bolt was well on his way to endearing himself towards the Central Coast faithful – sprinting through and finishing below the arms of the semi pro outfit facing the A Leaguers. 15 minutes later, quick as a flash, Bolt capitalised on an error by the opponents and stroked the ball into an empty goal. 4-0 to Central Coast Mariners, Usain Bolt with 2 of the 4 goals.

The Central Coast Mariners Twitter page summed up the spectacle, labelling it as one of the most memorable matches in Australian history none more so for Usain Bolt’s legend like status as a runner and maybe now as a footballer.

Many may have seen Bolt’s rise to becoming a footballer as comical, like he isn’t qualified to pick up a different sport. But, much like when he dominated the Olympic scene, his arms were aloft in his famous showboat pose after scoring as – after much conversation -Usain Bolt had finally launched himself as a professional footballer.

Kelan Sarson