A lot of legends, a lot of people, have come before me. But this

The swift-footed champion, Usain Bolt, once spoke with the thunder of destiny in his voice: “A lot of legends, a lot of people, have come before me. But this is my time.” These words, born upon the track where the fastest of men test themselves against the limits of flesh and spirit, reveal more than athletic pride. They are a declaration of courage, a recognition of lineage, and a claim to destiny. For Bolt, in uttering these words, did not deny the greatness of those who came before him—he honored them. Yet at the same time, he proclaimed that he too was chosen to leave his mark upon the sands of time.

To speak of legends is to speak of the foundation upon which every age is built. There were runners before Bolt—men who carried the flame of speed, who set the standard, who proved what was possible. Their sweat became the soil from which future champions would rise. But every age has its own appointed hero, one who steps forth not merely to imitate the past but to surpass it. Bolt’s words are thus both humble and defiant: humble in honoring the past, defiant in seizing the present.

The story of Bolt recalls the tale of Alexander the Great, who wept when he heard of Achilles, the great warrior of old. Alexander honored the heroes who preceded him, yet he did not live in their shadow. Instead, he declared through his deeds that though Achilles had his time, this—this—was his time. He conquered lands unseen by his forebears and etched his name across continents. So too did Bolt, with every stride upon the Olympic track, write his own chapter, knowing that greatness is not inherited—it is claimed.

The meaning of the quote is therefore twofold. First, it is a call to acknowledge the past—to respect the elders, the teachers, the legends who made the path. But second, it is a reminder that no one must remain in the shadow of history forever. Each person is given a moment, a season, a time when they must rise, when the torch passes into their hands, and when they must burn with their own light. To deny that moment is to waste the gift; to embrace it is to fulfill one’s purpose.

But let it be known: to say “This is my time” is not arrogance when spoken with reverence—it is courage. It is to recognize the fleeting nature of opportunity and to seize it with both hands. The runner has but seconds to prove what he has trained for years to achieve. The leader has but moments of history to turn the tide of nations. The artist has but a lifetime to paint upon the canvas of eternity. The words of Bolt remind us that greatness belongs not only to those of the past, but to those who dare to claim the present.

The lesson for us is clear: honor those who have gone before you, but do not let their greatness paralyze you. They ran their race, they fought their battles, they lived their time. Now it is yours. Do not waste your days looking only backward, nor waiting endlessly for a perfect tomorrow. Recognize your moment. Claim it. Speak with courage, “This is my time,” and let your actions prove the truth of your words.

Practical action lies in readiness. Train your body, sharpen your mind, prepare your spirit. For when your moment comes—and it will—you must not hesitate. Whether in the arena of work, of art, of leadership, or of service, step forth boldly. Remember that the legends are watching, not to hold you down, but to cheer you forward. In seizing your moment, you do not diminish them—you honor them by continuing the flame.

Thus, O children of tomorrow, remember the wisdom of Usain Bolt: “A lot of legends, a lot of people, have come before me. But this is my time.” Speak these words not in vanity but in courage, not in pride but in purpose. For every age awaits its champions, and every soul has its appointed hour. When that hour comes, rise, and let the world know that your time has come.