Jamaican track star Usain Bolt is considering retiring after the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. But any plans of going out to grass at the age of 30 will come after three more years of domination that could include a pop at the Commonwealth Games next year and another shot at bettering his own 200m world record.
Bolt has dominated the competitive world of sprinting since claiming three gold medals at the 2008 Beijing Games, but ahead of Friday's season-ending Diamond League meet in Brussels, hinted that Rio would be his third and last.
"After the 2016 Olympics: that seems to be a good idea, retiring when I'm still on top of my career," said the six-time Olympic gold medallist.
"But, again, if I want to continue to dominate on the track I can't afford an off season; that is a lesson that I have learned. This wasn't a perfect season for me. I won but it was not in a 'Usain Bolt fashion'."
'I'm getting a bit older and have to stay injury free'
Usain Bolt fashion' or not, the 27-year-old Jamaican still claimed a treble gold at last month's World Championships, taking his world gold medal haul to eight.
"Now that I'm getting a bit older, I know that I have to stay injury free, maintain focus and act responsible," he said.
Like 2010, next season has no major championships, but Bolt is forcing himself to think of new goals for 2014.
He already owns the 100 and 200 World records and shares the 4x100 with his Jamaican teammates.
'I have never been to Commonwealths and so it is always good'
He acknowledges the 100 record of 9.58 seconds will be extremely tough to better, but hopes to improve on the 19.19s he ran in the 200 in Berlin four years ago.
"I have learned, I have mastered the art of running the turn," Bolt said of the 200.
"So if I can stay injury free and be in good shape, then it is possible for me to definitely go after the world record."
As a Jamaican, Bolt can compete in the Commonwealth Games, too, something he has yet to do. Next year, the event will be held in Glasgow, Scotland.
"I have never been to Commonwealths and so it is always good to add to your collection of gold medals," Bolt said.
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