Former Olympic sprint Champion Usain Bolt has signed for Central Coast Mariners in Australia, making a remarkable transition from his scintillating athletics career to the football pitch.

DONE DEAL! Sprint star Usain Bolt joins Central Coast Mariners on upgraded arrangement: https://t.co/fBJc8oJiNl pic.twitter.com/4ooFwSejme

— Telegraph Sport (@telegraph_sport) August 7, 2018

Central Coast Mariners Complete Signing of Former Sprinter Usain Bolt

Athlete to Footballer

Athletics is a good precursor to the modern football game. After all, both require both physical and mental capability. Many footballers started off as athletes since many players have always had those attributes of pace, endurance and strength. Gareth Bale is one such example, sprinting and running cross-country for his local athletics clubs. On the flip side, Adam Gemili became a sprinter after he was offered a professional contract at Stevenage FC.

However, Usain Bolt is arguably the most high profile athlete to become a football player. He is an eight-time Olympic gold medallist with the greatest of credentials. Now he wishes to take part in one of the most popular sports in the world.

Credentials

Football is really about connections, reputation and communication in terms of becoming a professional. Bolt is perhaps fortunate that he has had such an amazing career. It seems a little unfair that he is able to start his career so late on, in front of other younger, budding players. Very few people have the ability to become a professional. Unlike Bolt, so much of the talent is being overlooked because they are lacking his kind of connections. This signing is thus, one of privilege.

Pace, but What Else?

Any Sunday League manager would surely have a place for a player like Bolt in their team. He is the fastest man on the planet across 100m. This pace may translate slightly differently on a football pitch, but even with a ball at his feet, he will surely be a defender’s nightmare. But, it is unproven as to what else he really offers.

He has trained with Strømsgodset and Borussia Dortmund, suggesting he has some kind of technical ability. The general public were able to view his skills when he appeared in the latest match of Soccer Aid. In this charity match, he didn’t look out at place against the professionals and the retired players. However, he will be taking on a whole different challenge with top-level professional football.

Shirt Sales

Bolt is going to guarantee shirt sales and a cult following to the football club. His name is known all over the world and his fans will surely flock to support his new venture. Even if he is just a publicity stunt, he will be a useful figurehead. His presence may well help to boost the club reputation and encourage more fans to the stadium.

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