Usain Bolt Q&A: Bolting Into "Temple Run 2"

By Allie Chinander

Ever wanted to run as fast as Usain Bolt? Now you can. The fastest man to ever walk the earth has taken a new form – virtually.

Bolt, Jamaica’s most decorated athlete and three-time track world record holder (not to mention six-time Olympic gold medalist), has taken a new stage as one of the characters in Imangi’s mobile game Temple Run 2.

For a limited time, you can add the Usain Bolt character to your copy of Temple Run 2 for $0.99 through an in-app purchase. Once you do, you can run, swing and slide their way around new obstacles and environments with Bolt’s lightning speed while celebrating your achievements in style with his signature pose.

While preparing for the IAAF World Championships later this moth, Bolt answered a few questions about his role in Temple Run 2, his real life experiences compared to the game and how much of a gamer he is himself.

How does it feel to be chosen as the first real character used in Temple Run 2?

It’s an honor. really. For sometime now my fans have been tweeting at me that I should be a character in Temple Run. It’s great to make that a reality for them.

Being the fastest man on earth, kids everywhere look up to you. In the game, people will actually be able to run as you. What’s that like?

I'm just happy to share the experience of running fast with the fans.

In your downtime from running, how often do you play video games?

I play video games a lot. It helps me to relax after a hard day of training.

Some of the new features of this game includes running through mountains, valleys and rivers with tons of various obstacles. Do you ever train in any kind of crazy terrain?

Sometimes I do hills and water training.

In the game, you are being chased by a huge beast. Growing up, were there any monsters that you were afraid of? Or any character that you had dreams of running away from?

Sure, I had few nightmares like all kids growing up, but no monsters that I can recall.

What is your favorite feature or part of the game in Temple Run 2?

Just seeing myself go. Sometimes it makes me say, “Are you really this fast, Usain?”

For kids who watch you run in real life and want to be a runner, too, what kinds of skills should they work on? What kind of nutrition and diet should they follow?

I always tell kids to just have fun running. At that stage they don't need to worry about it being a career. 

Photos courtesy Imangi Studios