Big Gamble! – Young Man Travels Across the Globe to Jamaica Hoping to Interview Usain Bolt
A sports journalism student from the United Kingdom flew half way across the world to Jamaica hoping to locate and interview the world’s fastest man – Usain Bolt.
Dylan Legrand, a trainee reporter who graduates in June from the University of Brighton had high hopes of getting interview with Bolt for his end-of-study feature.
He had no idea if he would succeed but was determined to try anything in furtherance of his dissertation.
He flew to Jamaica in hot pursuit of the fastest man alive, with absolutely no guarantees that he would meet him and his persistence paid off. Though he didn’t quite get the interview he wanted, he was able to track down Bolt during a training session, and gleaned insights into the world and Olympic sprint champion’s life by speaking with Bolt’s father Wellesley.
When The Jamaican Blogs™ got in touch with Dylan, he informed us that he was also able to interview former West Indian cricketer Michael Holding. On a visit to Calabar high school he was fortunate enough to meet coach Michael Clarke, Javon Francis, 15-year-old Tyreke Wilson and Jason Livermore.
Dylan hopes to get his article published in an international magazine or national newspaper as he strives for a career in sports journalism – he already has an interview lined up with a TV channel. He said: “I am proud of what I achieved – it was a challenge but it turned out to be a great experience.
“I was not welcomed at the training session when I first arrived but I managed to make a deal with coach Glen Mills to stay but it meant I wasn’t allowed to take photographs.Usain is a cool man – very relaxed. I met him in the session and he was very focused. It was great to watch him.”
Dylan, who studies at the university’s campus in Eastbourne, decided to try and meet Usian Bolt to produce first-hand interviews and to gather material for his end-of-study feature on critical investigation.
Luck was with him – on the 10-hour flight to Jamaica he sat next to a Jamaican couple who lived close to the college Bolt attended and they helped him reach Usain’s home village, Sherwood Content. The couple’s nephew led him to Usain’s home where Dylan met Usain’s father.
Dylan said his journalism course helped him immensely: “I would recommend it to anyone thinking of a career in journalism. It helped me mastering my communication, journalism and interviewing skills and prepared for a first job within the industry. Lecturers have helped me with work experience and advised me in finding the right path for a career within the media industry.”
Dylan’s sheer determination in pursuit of his goals is admirable and he certainly has a bright future.
