21 Aug Usain Bolt eager to prove critics wrong as he begins Mariners trial

Champion Olympian Usain Bolt says he is desperate to prove wrong the critics who doubt he can forge a career as a professional footballer.

Bolt took part in his first training session with A-League club Central Coast Mariners this morning, as his well-documented trial got underway.

The eight-time Olympic gold medallist believes the criticism won’t distract him from making the most of the golden opportunity presented to him by the Mariners.

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“People are always going to say what they want to say,” Bolt said.

“Just like when I was in track and field, people said a lot of things about me, but I always proved them wrong.

“It’s just another moment for me to prove people wrong.

“As I’ve said, I’m not setting any standards, I’m just working and pushing myself and when I feel like I’ve done enough I’ll ask the coaches, what do I need to work on? What can I do to be better?

“For me, that’s my focus, I don’t care what people say.”

The 32-year-old’s opening training session lasted 45 minutes as the Mariners look to ease Bolt into his trial after arriving in Australia to a rockstar-like reception three days ago.